User:Vickynaga/subpage

Article on Shitij Kapur

Born in India.

Dr Shitij Kapur, MD, PhD is currently the Canada Research Chair for Schizophrenia and Therapeutic Neuroscience, Chief for Research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. Completed his basic medical degree from All India Institute of Medical Sciences and completed his psychiatric training at the University of Pittsburgh - where he developed an interest in the biology of schizophrenia. He subsequently completed a PhD and Fellowship at the University of Toronto and his main research interest is in the use of brain imaging and animal models to understand the basis of psychosis and its treatment. In the last few years, Dr Kapur has focused on studying brain receptors and neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine and serotonin, and their role in schizophrenia and antipsychotic action. He has also collaborated on research focusing on how animal models can be used to derive more innovative treatments for schizophrenia; indicating the central importance of 'sensitisation'. Dr Kapur's latest work uses psychological theories and computational models, and combines it with the phenomenological experience of patients to provide a more holistic understanding of the experience of psychosis and the impact of antipsychotic medications. Dr Kapur has published over a 100 papers and made numerous presentations worldwide. He has served on the Scientific Advisory Boards of international companies and has received numerous national and international awards, including the Young Explorer Award of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. When not working on his research, he can cook a stunning lamb biryani!

From King's College, London - staff information Staff research interests: Professor Shitij Kapur Interest:	 Studying the role of brain receptors and neurotransmitters, and the effect of antipsychotic drugs on dopamine and serotonin in particular. Tel:	 020 7848 0424 Email:	shitij.kapur@iop.kcl.ac.uk Website:	http://www.iop.kcl.ac.uk/staff/profile/default.aspx?go=11628&local=True

departments	Psychological Medicine and Psychiatry also	Schizophrenia, Imaging and Therapeutics