The Neuroelectrophysiology Laboratory
The Neuroelectrophysiology Laboratory of The Royal and University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, led by Dr. Verner Knott is engaged in research exploring brain mechanisms that underly cognitive and affective processes in patients with psychiatric disorders. The probing of these processes is carried out using two cerebral electric tools, digital electroencephalography (EEG) and event-related potentials (ERPs), which allow for precise monitoring of human brain activity associated with spontaneous or induced cognitive or emotional states. Although often employed clinically, their strength in neuroscience research lies in their ability to contribute to the understanding of neural mechanisms underlying disturbances in emotion, mood and information processing.
Currently, this laboratory is concerned with projects examining the relationship between nicotine and mood (depression) and cognitive (schizophrenia) disorders. Funding through federal, provincial, university and industry-sponsored grants supports projects examining both the causative and potentially ameliorative role of nicotine in lowered mood and faulty mental processing in depressed and psychotic patients. These funds also help to support mentoring programs for graduate and undergraduate students from Carleton University and the University of Ottawa.