Scholars@Duke
Andrew Darrell Krystal

Andrew Darrell Krystal

Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neurosciences
andrew.krystal@duke.edu
Box 3309 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
54221 Hosp South, Durham, NC 27710

Overview

My research is focused on better understanding the pathophysiology of sleep disorders and mood disorders and developing improved treatments for these conditions. My primary research tools are: electroencepahlography (EEG), polysomnography (PSG), computer signal analysis and modeling, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and positron emission tomograophy (PET). Nearly all of my projects have been carried out with humans, however, projects are ongoing with gene knock-out models in mice, and lemurs in collaboration with the Duke Primate Center. A few representative current studies are: 1) Defining physiologic (EEG, PSG, PET, fMRI) correlates of sleep complaints and subtyping insomnia on the basis of the associated pathophysiology, 2) Studying the relationship of EEG data recorded during non-REM sleep, daytime function, and insomnia treatment response, 3) Developing new pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for insomnia, 4) Studying the relationship of natural sleep and hibernation-like phenomena (torpor), 5) Predicting depression treatment response on the basis of pre-treatment EEG and structural MRI data.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences · 2017 - Present Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neurosciences, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

In the News

Published July 21, 2016
Duke to Participate in Early Clinical Trials for Emerging Neurological Therapies
Published January 21, 2016
Type A to ZZZ: The agony of industry insomnia
Published May 8, 2014
Dr. Andrew Krystal comments: Psychiatry's scientific reboot gets under way

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Recent Publications

Rapid resolution of depression and epilepsy following resection of a septal region tumor: illustrative case.

Journal Article J Neurosurg Case Lessons · April 14, 2025 BACKGROUND: The authors present a case of a young patient who presented with depression symptoms and epilepsy. She was found to have a low-grade glioneuronal tumor located in the septal region, a critical limbic area involved in neuropsychiatric disorders. ... Full text Link to item Cite

The effect of doxepin 3 mg on sleep latency: a pooled analysis of two phase 3 trials.

Journal Article Sleep Breath · April 14, 2025 INTRODUCTION: Most pharmacologic treatments with clinical data for insomnia symptoms are controlled substances. An exception is doxepin, an antihistamine that has shown efficacy for the treatment of difficulties with sleep maintenance. This analysis assess ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening in Pregnant Women with Chronic Hypertension

ResearchSignificant Contributor · Awarded by Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology · 2017 - 2020

KOR Phase 2A Study - Mod 3 (Advanced Understanding)

Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2014 - 2017

Modified KOR Phase 2A Study

Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2014 - 2017

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Education, Training & Certifications

Duke University · 1987 M.D.