Job Talk: Patrick Quinn | Clinical Area

Title: A Translational Epidemiologic Approach to Substance Use and Related Problems
Abstract: The use of licit and illicit substances is pervasive and can impact health across the lifespan. Understanding that impact requires considering which individuals use—or otherwise come to be exposed to—substances. This presentation will illustrate how epidemiologic methods can help answer a wide range of questions of psychopharmacology and substance use problems. First, I will describe a test of a causal role of maternal smoking during pregnancy in risk of severe mental illness in offspring. Then, I will describe research on substance use problems and two classes of medications: pharmacotherapies for ADHD and prescription opioid analgesics. I will conclude with a discussion of future directions in understanding harms associated with prescription opioids.