Charles P. O'Brien, M.D., Ph.D.

Charles P. O’Brien, M.D., Ph.D., is professor and vice chair of psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, and chief of psychiatry, director of the Center for Studies of Addiction. His research focuses on the mechanisms of addiction and possible pharmacological treatment of related disorders.

If Addictions Can Be Treated, Why Aren’t They?
Report on ProgressThe reward system is an important part of the brain, but it often receives scant attention in medical school.
The Impact of Modern Neuroscience on Treatment of Parolees
Ethical Considerations in Using Pharmacology to Prevent Addiction RelapseNeuroscience is offering insights into addiction and providing scientists with pharmacological methods, such as the use of injectable naltrexone, for reducing relapse. Richard J. Bonnie, Donna T. Chen and Charles P. O’Brien consider the ethical and legal implications of different methods for administering naltrexone to convicted drug offenders.