The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (formerly NARSAD, the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression) continues its 25-year mission to alleviate the suffering of mental illness by awarding grants that will lead to advances and breakthroughs in scientific research. One hundred percent of all donor contributions for research to the Foundation will continue to be invested in NARSAD Grants leading to discoveries in understanding causes and improving treatments of disorders in children and adults, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and anxiety disorders like obsessive-compulsive and post-traumatic stress disorders. For a quarter of a century, the organization has awarded nearly $300 million worldwide to more than 3,300 scientists carefully selected by its prestigious Scientific Council.
“Our research priorities reflect our scientists' vision of how we will get to the next breakthroughs”
Benita Shobe, Brain & Behavior Research Foundation president and CEO, is excited about the new name and strengthened vision to bring the joy of living to those affected by mental illness - those who are ill and their family and friends. "The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has evolved from the dedication and perseverance of its founders who sought to improve the lives of people living with mental illness through research," Ms. Shobe said. "Over the past 25 years, we have funded advances and breakthroughs in the field of brain and behavior research that have helped countless individuals and their loved ones live more productive lives, but our work is far from over."
1 in 4 people are diagnosed with a brain and behavior disorder each year in the United States. Supporting research discoveries by creative scientists leads to understanding causes and improving treatments of these disorders. With this in mind, the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has established four research priorities for funding:
- Basic Research to develop better treatments, aiming toward prevention
- New Technologies to advance our understanding of the brain
- Diagnostic Tools to intervene early on
- Next Generation Treatments to improve recovery rates
"Our research priorities reflect our scientists' vision of how we will get to the next breakthroughs," Ms. Shobe said. "With continued funding through NARSAD Grants, the momentum of discovery will continue and grow. Scientists face substantial reductions in funding for mental health research on the national level. It's crucial that the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation continue to fund the innovative, cutting-edge research needed for the breakthroughs those affected by mental illness so desperately need."
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