Degree

PhD, Clinical Psychology, University of Pittsburgh

Academic appointment

Distinguished Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychology
Director, Cal Mania (Calm) Program, University of California, Berkeley

Biography

Dr. Johnson has conducted research on psychological facets of bipolar disorder for the past 30 years. Her major research goals are to understand the triggers of mania and depression within the condition, and factors that contribute to some of the unusually positive outcomes of creativity and accomplishment in families of those with bipolar disorder. In terms of risk factors, her current work focuses on reward sensitivity and circadian (day/night) rhythms, In recent work, she is testing how having a weak circadian rhythm might intensify tendencies to get hooked on chasing a goal, leading to sleep disruption and greater vulnerability to symptoms. She is also testing whether careful timing of eating can bolster circadian rhythms for those with bipolar disorder. Her work has been funded by the Bipolar Discovery Network, Wellcome Trust, the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression, the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Science Foundation, and the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Johnson has published multiple books and over 300 manuscripts, including publications in leading journals such as Current Directions in Psychological Science, the American Psychologist and the American Journal of Psychiatry. Her books include “Bipolar for the Newly Diagnosed” (New Harbinger) and “Psychological Treatments of Bipolar Disorder” (Guilford Press). She is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Association for Behavioral Medicine Research, and the Association for Psychological Science, and the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (2013-2014).

What I do when I'm not working

I am lucky to live in the Bay Area of Northern California, where I enjoy hiking and cycling year round.

Address

Department of Psychology, University of California
3rd floor Berkeley Way West, Berkeley, CA 94720