University of Oxford
Psychopharmacology and Emotion Research Laboratory
At PERL, we explore how the brain processes emotional information and how this is influenced by brain chemicals and medicines. This helps us to understand disorders such as depression and anxiety and contributes to the development of treatments.
About Us
Our Research
PERL is a group of scientists from different fields, such as psychiatry, psychology, pharmacology and neuroscience, who work together to study how the brain processes emotions.
We investigate the effects of brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine on emotional information processing. By doing so, we hope to gain a better understanding of how emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety arise and how they can be treated with medications.
Our Methods
Our team uses a variety of methods, including cognitive and emotional testing and brain stimulation and imaging, to study the brain function of healthy individuals and people experiencing different mood disorders. As well as telling us about how our brain functions when we’re feeling mentally healthy, we aim to find new ways to predict and treat mood disorders
Welcome to PERL
Would you like to...
Learn about our work
See our most recent key publications.
Join the team
See here for opportunities and testimonials of what it is like to work with PERL.
Participate in research
Learn more about what it involves to participate in our studies.
In the year 2024, PERL had:
participants
active studies
publications
Interested in participating?
Want to learn more about us?
Click below to view our page on the Oxford Department of Psychiatry website.
Thank you for your interest!
If you are experiencing low moods or depression and would like advice or support, please read our mental health support page.