Bangor Psychology to play major role in £1.1M MRC research relating to addiction and mania

The School of Psychology at Bangor University is to conduct research into new pharmacological treatment for psychiatric illnesses. Researchers at Bangor and Oxford Universities, and the University of British Columbia, have been funded by the Medical Research Council to evaluate the potential of a new drug to reduce the impulsive behaviours associated with alcohol and drug addictions, as well as mania.

Professor Robert Rogers, who is leading Bangor University’s involvement in the research commented: “Impulsive behaviours are a significant feature of addictions and other illnesses such bipolar disorder. And impulsivity can complicate treatment, for example, by increasing the chances of relapse in people with alcohol or drug misuse problems. Currently, however, there are no effective interventions to help people cope with this aspect of these illnesses. Bangor University will be making an important contribution to this experimental work which, if successful, will lay the foundations for subsequent clinical trials in patients.”

The total value of the funding is £1,113,146 and is funded through the Medical Research Council’s Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme.

Dr John Parkinson, Acting Head of Psychology said:

“The School is delighted to welcome Professor Rogers who recently joined us from Oxford University's Department of Psychiatry. Robert's research in psychopharmacology is a truly exciting addition to our portfolio, and his involvement in this MRC-funded research is the first of its kind for the School. It is particularly valuable in the context of the Welsh Governments strategic drive for Welsh Universities to capture this sort of funding.”

Publication date: 6 March 2014