The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is using a diagnostic tool known as the No-Predictable-Unpredictable (NPU) test to measure threat anticipation and predict symptoms of mental disorders, according to a May 26 announcement.
The NPU test measures biological responses by placing small sensors under the eye and delivering a mild, non-painful shock through a device on the wrist. This approach allows researchers to identify patterns that may drive certain mental health conditions. Lead researcher Stephanie Gorka, PhD, has launched a clinic focused on understanding and treating the root causes of mental distress.
Gorka’s research involves measuring brain-based reactions to stress using this threat-anticipation test. The NPU task has been utilized in multiple studies with hundreds of participants and has shown potential for predicting how symptoms of anxiety, depression, and substance use develop or change over time. "Stephanie is exceptionally driven, thinks both broadly and deeply, and brings a genuine passion to her research," K. Luan Phan, MD, chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at The Ohio State College of Medicine, said.
Phan also said, "What makes her stand out even more is that as a physician-scientist, she not only studies mental health scientifically but also understands firsthand how these conditions manifest in patients in the clinic and in real life."
Ohio State Health & Discovery addresses societal issues such as health equity and substance use while promoting inclusive well-being; it includes hospitals and outpatient facilities as part of its academic medical center; seeks to advance health locally and globally through innovations in research, education, patient care, and community involvement; offers resources on wellness topics; and focuses on healthcare delivery as well as education initiatives—according to the official website.
