Claire Foldi advances eating disorder neuroscience research

(Press-News.org) Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 17 June 2025 - In a comprehensive Genomic Press Innovators & Ideas interview, Dr. Claire J. Foldi, an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology at Monash University, shares her journey and groundbreaking work in the field of eating disorders. Dr. Foldi's research focuses on the neurobiology of eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa, and explores how novel therapeutics, including psychedelics, may offer new avenues for treatment.

Early Inspirations and Career Trajectory

Dr. Foldi's fascination with human behavior and the brain's processing of experiences began during her undergraduate studies. A pivotal moment was an undergraduate psychology course on pathological thinking that inspired her to study the biological bases of mental illness. "I have always been fascinated by human behavior and how the brain processes experiences, such as perception, emotion, and belief," Dr. Foldi reflects. This curiosity led her to pursue a PhD exploring the biological bases of social and environmental risk factors for schizophrenia. Her academic journey has been marked by a willingness to pivot and explore unexpected opportunities, which eventually led her to specialize in eating disorders research.

Dr. Foldi's career trajectory is a testament to her adaptability and passion for understanding complex mental health issues. Her transition from studying schizophrenia to focusing on eating disorders illustrates her commitment to addressing critical gaps in mental health research. "Ironically, I did not set out to become a specialist in eating disorders or psychedelics research," she notes. This shift was not only a personal evolution but also a response to the growing need for deeper insights into eating disorders, which are among the most lethal psychiatric conditions yet remain poorly understood.

Research Focus and Methodologies

Dr. Foldi's lab investigates how internal states like hunger and anxiety interact with brain circuits governing higher-order cognitive behaviors. Using cutting-edge tools such as in vivo fiber photometry and computational behavioral modeling, her team studies the neural basis of anorexia nervosa and evaluates the potential of novel therapeutics like psilocybin to restore behavioral flexibility. "We utilize cutting-edge tools, such as in vivo fiber photometry and computational behavioral modeling, to investigate how brain dynamics influence decisions regarding food, threat, and reward," Dr. Foldi explains.

The methodologies employed in Dr. Foldi's research are at the forefront of neuroscience. By utilizing advanced neural recording and manipulation tools, her lab can observe real-time brain activity and its correlation with behavior. This approach allows for a detailed examination of how different brain regions communicate and influence behaviors related to eating disorders. The integration of computational models further enhances the ability to predict and understand complex behavioral patterns, providing a robust framework for developing targeted interventions.

Impact and Future Directions

Eating disorders affect millions worldwide and have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness. Dr. Foldi's research aims to shift the understanding and treatment of these conditions by identifying the biological causes of persistent maladaptive behaviors. "Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying these changes can provide neural markers to better predict future behavioral and emotional challenges," she emphasizes. Her work could lead to more targeted and effective treatments, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals suffering from eating disorders.

The implications of Dr. Foldi's research extend beyond the laboratory. By identifying specific neural pathways and mechanisms involved in eating disorders, her findings have the potential to inform clinical practices and public health policies. This could lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies that are more effective and tailored to individual needs, thereby reducing the burden of eating disorders on individuals and society.

Personal Insights and Philosophies

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Foldi shares personal insights and philosophies that have guided her career. "Three values stand out: intellectual honesty, collaboration over competition, and a commitment to mentoring," she states. Her lab environment encourages curiosity, innovation, and co-designed projects with students and collaborators. Dr. Foldi's approach to research is rigorous yet flexible, allowing for exploratory work and unexpected discoveries.

Dr. Foldi's commitment to mentoring is evident in her dedication to supporting the next generation of researchers. She believes in creating an inclusive and supportive environment where diverse ideas can flourish. This philosophy not only fosters innovation but also ensures that her lab remains a dynamic and productive space for scientific discovery. "I feel a strong responsibility to mentor and support emerging women scientists and to model leadership that is collaborative, transparent, and inclusive," Dr. Foldi asserts.

Broader Implications and Questions for Further Exploration

Dr. Foldi's work raises several intriguing questions for further exploration. How might the integration of psychedelics into treatment protocols revolutionize the approach to eating disorder treatment? "Some of the most impactful parts of my career have come from following unexpected leads with an open mind," she reflects. What broader societal impacts could arise from a deeper understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of these conditions? These questions not only add depth to the narrative but also provide hooks for journalists to delve deeper into the topic.

The exploration of psychedelics as potential therapeutics is particularly provocative. As society grapples with the complexities of mental health treatment, the integration of psychedelics presents both opportunities and challenges. Understanding the mechanisms by which these substances can modulate brain activity and behavior could open new pathways for treatment-resistant conditions, offering hope to many who have not benefited from traditional therapies.

Moreover, Dr. Foldi's research invites a reconsideration of how mental health conditions are perceived and treated. By focusing on the biological mechanisms underlying eating disorders, her work challenges the stigma associated with these conditions and promotes a more compassionate and scientific approach to mental health care. "If we want to foster genuine breakthroughs, we need to fund thinking time, not just outputs," she advocates.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the promising directions of her research, Dr. Foldi acknowledges the challenges inherent in studying complex psychiatric conditions. The interdisciplinary nature of her work requires navigating diverse scientific landscapes and integrating findings from various fields. Additionally, the exploration of novel therapeutics like psychedelics involves overcoming regulatory and societal hurdles, which can be significant.

However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and innovation. By addressing these issues head-on, Dr. Foldi and her team are not only advancing scientific knowledge but also contributing to the broader dialogue on mental health treatment and policy. Their work exemplifies the potential for research to drive meaningful change in both scientific understanding and societal attitudes. "We need systemic change. This includes longer-term grants, improved recognition of mentoring and team science, and increased diversity in leadership," she emphasizes.

Dr. Claire J. Foldi's Genomic Press interview is part of a larger series called Innovators & Ideas that highlights the people behind today's most influential scientific breakthroughs. Each interview in the series offers a blend of cutting-edge research and personal reflections, providing readers with a comprehensive view of the scientists shaping the future. By combining a focus on professional achievements with personal insights, this interview style invites a richer narrative that both engages and educates readers. This format provides an ideal starting point for profiles that explore the scientist's impact on the field, while also touching on broader human themes. More information on the research leaders and rising stars featured in our Innovators & Ideas - Genomic Press Interview series can be found in our publications website: https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/.

The Genomic Press Interview in Psychedelics titled "Claire Foldi: Unravelling the neurobiology of eating disorders to inform effective treatments" is freely available via Open Access on 17 June 2025 in Psychedelics at the following hyperlink: https://doi.org/10.61373/pp025k.0026.

About Psychedelics: Psychedelics: The Journal of Psychedelic and Psychoactive Drug Research (ISSN: 2997-2671, online and 2997-268X, print) is a peer-reviewed medical research journal published by Genomic Press, New York. Psychedelics is dedicated to advancing knowledge across the full spectrum of consciousness altering substances, from classical psychedelics to stimulants, cannabinoids, entactogens, dissociatives, plant derived compounds, and novel compounds including drug discovery approaches. Our multidisciplinary approach encompasses molecular mechanisms, therapeutic applications, neuroscientific discoveries, and sociocultural analyses. We welcome diverse methodologies and perspectives from fundamental pharmacology and clinical studies to psychological investigations and societal-historical contexts that enhance our understanding of how these substances interact with human biology, psychology, and society.

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