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.
* 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
Lifestyle, sleep quality, and cognitive function in resistant hypertension: One-year follow-up from the TRIUMPH trial.
Journal Article J Alzheimers Dis · February 2026 BackgroundTreatment resistant hypertension (TRH) is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline, which may be reduced by healthy lifestyle changes.ObjectiveTo examine the effects of a comprehensive, rehabilitation-based lifestyle hprogram on cognit ... Full text Link to item CiteEffects 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 CiteHigher 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 CiteRecent Grants
The Effect of Reducing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms on Cardiovascular Risk
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2016 - 2023Neuromodulatory Treatments for Pain Management in Complex TBI using Mobile Technology
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Department of Defense · 2017 - 2022Exercise and Pharmacotherapy for Anxiety in Cardiac Patients
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2015 - 2022View All Grants
Education
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill ·
1991
Ph.D.
University of Florida ·
1984
B.S.