Chen Chong

My main research interest is to understand the cognitive and neural computational mechanisms of human decision-making and learning, and how they are dysregulated in neuropsychiatric diseases (in particular, major depressive disorders and anxiety disorders). I am also interested in exploring behavioral and psychological interventions (such as physical exercise and contact with natural environments) that help to enhance cognitive functions, build resilience, promote mental health, and/or have therapeutic effects for neuropsychiatric diseases. My research employs a range of methodologies, including psychometric tests, behavioral tests, cognitive theories-informed computational modelling, neuroimaging, and machine learning. By combining these techniques, I am currently conducting studies to predict the incidence of neuropsychiatric diseases in a public health setting and predict patients’ responses to various treatments to promote personalized medicine. Previously, I have also conducted basic research with rats using behavioral experiments and microdialysis and microinjection techniques, for the purpose of investigating the neurobiological (neuroendocrinological and neurotransmitter) basis of the antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects of drugs and physical exercise. Based on these results, I have proposed “The Exercise-Glucocorticoid Paradox”, which describes the phenomenon that despite increasing the stress hormone cortisol, a mediator of the detrimental effects of stress on cognition and mental health, physical exercise enhances cognition and promotes mental health.