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Lana L. Watkins

Professor Emeritus in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neurosciences
Box 3119 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
3119 Hosp South, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


* Examination of the relationship between affective disorders and autonomic cardiovascular control.

* Examination of the mechanisms underlying the increased cardiac mortality associated with anxiety disorders.

* Examination of the role of behavioral factors (diet, exercise) as modulators of glycemic control and in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor Emeritus in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences · 2023 - Present Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neurosciences, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

Recent Publications


Effects of Lifestyle Modification on Psychosocial Function in Patients With Resistant Hypertension: SECONDARY OUTCOMES FROM THE TRIUMPH RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL.

Journal Article J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev · January 1, 2024 PURPOSE: In a secondary analysis of the TRIUMPH clinical trial, psychological outcomes in patients with resistant hypertension (RH) receiving a diet and exercise intervention delivered in a cardiac rehabilitation setting were compared with those receiving ... Full text Link to item Cite

Higher Cardiovagal Baroreflex Sensitivity Predicts Increased Pain Outcomes After Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Conference The journal of pain · January 2024 Excessive postoperative pain can lead to extended hospitalization and increased expenses, but factors that predict its severity are still unclear. Baroreceptor function could influence postoperative pain by modulating nociceptive processing and vagal-media ... Full text Cite

Higher Cardiovagal Baroreflex Sensitivity Predicts Increased Pain Outcomes After Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Conference J Pain · January 2024 Excessive postoperative pain can lead to extended hospitalization and increased expenses, but factors that predict its severity are still unclear. Baroreceptor function could influence postoperative pain by modulating nociceptive processing and vagal-media ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


The Effect of Reducing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms on Cardiovascular Risk

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2016 - 2023

Neuromodulatory Treatments for Pain Management in Complex TBI using Mobile Technology

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Department of Defense · 2017 - 2022

Exercise and Pharmacotherapy for Anxiety in Cardiac Patients

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2015 - 2022

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Education, Training & Certifications


University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · 1991 Ph.D.
University of Florida · 1984 B.S.