Article

Kerry J. Ressler: Exploring the translation of amygdala function at the cellular and genomic levels to understand stress, fear, and trauma disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

February 2025
Genomic Psychiatry

DOI:10.61373/gp025k.0005

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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

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A pioneering force in psychiatric neuroscience, Dr. Kerry Ressler divides his time between serving as Chief Scientific Officer at McLean Hospital, Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and translational neuroscientist. Drawing from both molecular biology and human genetics, he has fundamentally changed how we understand fear and anxiety in the brain, especially through his innovative research on the amygdala. Throughout his remarkable career, which includes over 500 published papers, he has uncovered critical insights into the genetic and epigenetic basis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related anxiety disorders. His expertise has earned him membership in the National Academy of Medicine and a term as president of the Society for Biological Psychiatry. Dr. Ressler co-directs the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium PTSD Workgroup and founded the Grady Trauma Project in Atlanta before joining McLean Hospital. This Genomic Press Interview offers an intimate look at the path and perspectives of a scientist who has shaped modern psychiatric research and treatment.

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Last Updated: 08 May 2025