Current Research and Scholarly Interests
Dr. Ketter has done extensive research into the etiology, phenomenology, and treatment of bipolar disorder. His etiologic research has focused on the use of brain imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and positron emission tomography (PET) to better understand the neurobiology of mood disorders and to explore the possibility of using these techniques to more effectively target treatments for patients with bipolar disorder. His phenomenologic research has focused on the development and course of bipolar disorder in late adolescence and young adulthood, particularly in college students, and links between creativity, temperament, and mood disorders. His research into treatment has involved clinical trials of novel medications and combinations of medications in the treatment of bipolar disorder, with an emphasis on the use of anticonvulsants.