The theme of our research is to investigate the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, and addiction based on brain science, to develop objective diagnostic methods and novel treatments and establish psychosocial therapeutic approaches based on objective and scientific techniques and evidence. Our investigation focuses on the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders using functional magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, and other modalities. We are also performing research to investigate the role of neurofeedback as a therapeutic strategy for mental disorders. Brain imaging studies are the most interesting and well-skilled lesion. Our study involves processing a large volume of brain data using machine learning and computational psychiatry to explore prospects for new discoveries and to predict pathological conditions through modeling. We are exploring neurofeedback as a novel therapeutic approach for psychiatric diseases and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and computational psychiatry. Moreover, we are actively designing studies that can establish evidence-based approaches to address issues observed in routine clinical practice.

1) Studies in biological psychiatry
(i) Molecular and cellular studies to clarify the etiology and conditions of neuropsychiatric diseases We have performed translational and reverse translational research together with molecular, cellular, and behavioral analyses using animal models and clinical samples of DNA, serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and postmortem brain tissue obtained from patients with psychiatric disorders.
(ii) Study of sleep stages and behavior in neuropsychiatric diseases
Using an automatic analysis device (polysomnography), a study is being performed to investigate sleep stages and behavior in patients with various psychiatric disorders.
(iii) Neuroimaging in psychiatric disorders
We are actively incorporating AI technology in our research on brain structure and function and molecular imaging using magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography to elucidate the pathogenesis of mental disorders, identify subtypes, and predict treatment response.
(iv) We are performing an observational study to retrospectively analyze information regarding electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). These data are submitted as performance reports from multi-institutional “ECT Training Facilities” accredited by the Japanese Society of General Hospital Psychiatry. Despite its long history in psychiatric clinical practice, the actual implementation of ECT in daily clinical practice remains unclear. This study will clarify the status of ECT in real-world Japanese medical facilities.

2) Psychopathological studies
Based on a psychotherapeutic approach, we are performing psychological studies of neuropsychiatric diseases with regard to phenomenology, anthropology, and linguistics. Other research activities include a review of fundamental psychiatric concepts and a basic study to establish a diagnostic c1assification of psychiatric disorders, which are important issues currently being widely recognized in clinical practice. In addition to studies on endogenous psychosis observed in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, we are involved in psychoanalytical studies to better understand and develop psychotherapeutic modalities for neurosis and borderline personality disorder, which have gained increasing attention in recent times.

3) Research on liaison psychiatry and psycho-oncology
(i) Liaison psychiatry
In collaboration with dental hospitals, we are involved in research on the prevention of postoperative delirium. We are also performing research on delirium prevention in patients admitted to the physical department. We intend to perform research on perinatal mental health in the future.
(ii) Psycho-oncology
The concept of cancer disease is an important factor in the process by which a child accepts and adapts to cancer in his/her family. Therefore, we are analyzing textbooks used in elementary and junior high schools that could affect the development of the concept of cancer. Based on these data, from the perspective of psycho-oncology, we are attempting to prepare user-friendly home-based educational materials for parents to complement educational material available at school. We will verify the effects of these tools once they are operational.

4) Forensic psychiatry research
Our research includes projects for the development of forensic psychiatric evaluation methodology, risk assessment and management in forensic settings, and an investigation of the associations and mechanisms of criminal behavior. Our research encompasses a wide range of topics including the development of a method to assess the capacity to act for appraisal in the adult guardianship system.

5) Research on cyber-psychiatry
Research on behavioral addictions such as gaming disorder and smartphone/internet dependency is being conducted in collaboration with KDDI Corporation and KDDI Research, Inc. For patients with behavioral addictions like gaming disorder and smartphone/internet dependency, we are conducting behavioral analysis based on log apps, comparing behavioral logs with medical information to advance the understanding of the pathophysiology of behavioral addictions. Furthermore, based on these insights, we are advancing clinical research aimed at the practical application as diagnostic and treatment support apps for patients with gaming disorder.

Following the 2-year period of mandatory clinical training, during the second term of training, they will acquire knowledge and clinical experience necessary for neuropsychiatrists and will undergo practical training at affiliated medical facilities to qualify as psychiatrists. Undergraduate education, which emphasizes clinical clerkship training after a systematic series of lecture courses and seminar-based classes, is designed to develop students’ problem-solving skills and improve their motivation to learn neuropsychiatry, with support from external facilities.

During the first term (two years) of postgraduate training, residents will learn basic laboratory procedures and diagnostic techniques, psychotherapy and drug treatment, laws and regulations related to clinical practice and will acquire other general knowledge, all of which are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the biopsychosocial approaches to neuropsychiatric diseases.

Clinical practice
Among all new outpatients who visit our department, based on the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10), approximately 30% are diagnosed with “mood disorders” (F3), followed by “neurotic, stress-related, and somatoform disorders” (F4) and “schizophrenia, schizophrenic and paranoid disorders” (F2).
We are also actively involved in consultation and liaison psychiatry for inpatients from other departments. Patients with senile dementia, child and adolescent psychiatric disorders, substance, dependence, and neurosis, necessitating intensive psychotherapy are often referred to related and advanced facilities for specialized treatment. This facility is the psychiatric department of a general hospital and is involved with university education and training; therefore, most inpatients are diagnosed as F2, followed by F4 and F3 categories per ICD-10 codes. We also provide care and treatment for patients with sleep rhythm and neurological disorders, including epilepsy and senile dementia. In addition to drug treatment, we have introduced and provided modified ECT for inpatients and individual and group psychotherapy for patients admitted to our psychiatric ward, clinic, and day care center in close collaboration with rehabilitation facilities in the community. The day care team consists of a physician and two nurses, as well as a psychosocial worker or clinical psychologist. Day care (partial hospitalization) is a transitional element between inpatient and outpatient care and is indicated in a wide range of psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorder, and personality disorders.
Each member has its own aim, and the team provides care utilizing different types of frameworks. Our day care team places emphasis on the potentiality of the group and in our opinion, the collective efforts of the group could contribute to the therapeutic effect. This experience promotes good communication skills in patients and readaptation to social situations and social reintegration become easier.

Per our policy, patients with schizophrenia are treated with clozapine, which is approved for the treatment of refractory schizophrenia. Following effective coordination with the Dental Hospital, we currently treat patients with oral pain or dysesthesia; this collaboration is a characteristic of our university. Our faculty includes board-certified specialists to treat patients who present with sleep disorders and epilepsy. In 2014, we introduced a psychoeducational program for patients with bipolar disorder, which focuses on relapse prevention. Additionally, we ensure close cooperation with the staff for an increasing number of liaison activities implemented for delirium prevention (particularly in surgical wards), interventions for patients with suicide attempts in the emergency room, and mental support for peripartum patients.