The Neurological Affective and Dissociative Symptoms (NEUROADS) Lab is based in the Department of Psychological Medicine at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London. 

Led by Dr Susannah Pick, our work is focused primarily on investigating causes and mechanisms underlying neurological, affective, and dissociative symptoms, as well as exploring interactions between these symptom types.

We use a range of methodologies, including clinical measures, lab-based experiments, psychophysiology, neuroimaging, digital remote monitoring technologies, and qualitative techniques.

We adopt a transdiagnostic approach in our work, which includes individuals with a range of clinical diagnoses, such as functional neurological disorder (FND), dissociative disorders (e.g., depersonalisation-derealisation, dissociative identity disorder, dissociative amnesia), post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, and neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy). Our research also covers aspects of physical and mental health in non-clinical populations.

We have a particular interest in exploring mind-body interactions – relationships between psychological and physical experiences – and the mechanisms underlying these interactions.

For example, we study how stress and mood affect bodily experiences and symptoms, including the role of the brain and autonomic nervous system. We also investigate how alterations in particular cognitive processes (e.g., cognitive control, social cognition, interoception) might give rise to physical and/or psychological symptoms.

Another research theme seeks to better understand interactions between physical, psychological and social/environmental factors in real-life settings. Within this theme, we examine the effects of physical (e.g., sleep quality, activity, bodily arousal) and psychosocial variables (e.g., stress) on mental and physical health, using smartphone and wearable technologies.

Beyond aetiological and mechanistic research, our lab also contributes to the development of novel treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders, such as digital, body-based, and psychological interventions.

We are also involved in outcome monitoring in neuropsychiatric disorders, involving analysis and dissemination of routine clinical outcome data, as well as developing innovative outcome measurement approaches.

Our patient and public involvement work and qualitative investigations aim to ensure that the perspectives of people with lived experience are heard and that they are influential in research design, clinical practice, and policy.