Section: Research

Curtis Deutsch, Ph.D.

Academic Role: Associate Professor

Faculty Appointment(s) In:
   Psychiatry

Other Affiliation(s):
   Shriver Center

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Dr. Deutsch’s research program focuses on biobehavioral and genetic factors in developmental disabilities:

Developmental neurobiology - One research topic is the study of dysmorphology (deviations from the norm) of the human face in developmental disorders. How might facial abnormalities arise in brain-based disorders? The brain and the face develop from common embryologic regions and are sculpted by shared forces. Thus, genetic and/or environmental factors that influence brain development may also affect the delicate features of the head and face.

The brain-based disorders under study in this research are autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and specific genetic syndromes. In this research initiative, objective quantitative models are used to assess dysmorphology. Also in development is an electronic database of craniofacial measurements that takes age, gender, and ethnicity into account.

Behavioral phenotyping - With Shriver Center director Dr. WJ McIlvane and members of his Behavioral Technology group at the Shriver Center, Dr. Deutsch is developing tests of cognitive/behavioral function in order to understand more about brain functioning among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Psychiatric genetics - Dr. Deutsch is working with colleagues in the fields of autism and psychosis research to study the association of genetics and psychiatric disorders.

Office: Shriver
Phone: (781) 642-0163
E-mail: Curtis.Deutsch@umassmed.edu

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