R. Kathryn McHugh Related Content

The Impact of Age and Gender on Mental Health

Mental illness affects everyone—all genders, young and old. But not everyone experiences mental disorders the same way. More and more, researchers are trying to find out why disparities exist and what those differences mean for treatment and outcomes. “Historically, sex, gender, and age differences...

McLean Board of Visitors Convenes in a Day of Learning and Connection

After two years of gathering virtually, the McLean Board of Visitors came together in person on May 3, 2023, for the group’s annual meeting. For many, it was a reunion of sorts—old friends getting reacquainted after a prolonged absence and new members introducing themselves and forming connections...

Opioid Overdose Survivors Report Having Had Suicidal Motivations

Past studies found that motivation for suicide may contribute to opioid overdose deaths in people with opioid use disorder (OUD). In 2019, a research team at McLean Hospital found suicidal motivations are common just prior to nonfatal opioid overdose and occur along a continuum of severity. Hilary S...

Video: Lecture – Dr. R. Kathryn McHugh Examines Addiction and Anxiety

Presented by R. Kathryn McHugh, PhD , McLean Hospital – McLean Forum lecture Nearly 20% of people with substance use disorders also have an anxiety disorder. Co-occurring anxiety and substance addiction are more prevalent in individuals with drug use disorders, such as opioid use disorder, as...

Philanthropy Provides Crucial Support for Addiction Treatment

When Maria Curtis’s son was released from a McLean treatment program, she was so impressed by the follow-up he received that she and her husband John made a gift to the hospital, directing it to help patients during their early recovery. Their generosity was enormously appreciated, says Roger D...

Opioid Addiction: Exploring Scientific Solutions

The ultimate solution to the opioid crisis is answering the question of what causes addiction and whether it is possible to treat it more effectively or even prevent it. That’s the challenge Elena H. Chartoff, PhD , is taking on in her laboratory. As director of the Neurobiology of Motivated...

New Clues: Predicting Opioid Misuse in Patients on Long-Term Therapy

An estimated 20% of all patients presenting with non-cancer related pain at a physician’s office are prescribed opioids, but which of these patients, especially those who use the medicine long-term to control chronic pain, are likely to become addicted? Understanding the characteristics of such...

Leading the Way: McLean Staff Are Making an Impact on Mental Health

Each year, McLean Hospital faculty are recognized by national and international psychiatric organizations for their work to improve the lives of people and families affected by mental illness. Below are just two of McLean’s stars who made an impact in 2015. R. Kathryn McHugh When asked about her...

Increasing Access to Care Through Innovation

Kathryn McHugh, PhD , is determined to increase access to quality mental health care for people in need. Through her research to improve the effectiveness of behavioral therapies and innovative treatment delivery models, such as computer-based treatments, she hopes to address the public health...