Scott Sponheim
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Credentials
PhD
Bio
I received my BA in Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. I completed my PhD in Clinical Psychology here at the University of Minnesota. I am an adult psychologist and my primary research focus is to understand how genetic risks for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are expressed in the functions of the brain. I also conduct studies of families affected by schizophrenia and bipolar disorder to understand the ways in which individuals affected by these conditions differ from biological relatives who may carry genetic vulnerability for the conditions but do not develop the disorders. In addition, I study military-related traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder in a search for brain-based measures that differentiate the two conditions and may help guide treatment decisions for individuals who have been exposed to traumatic explosive blast events in combat. I have given 18 grand rounds presentations nationwide, and have presented nationally and internationally at more than 170 conferences.
I am a consulting editor for the Journal of Abnormal Psychology and also work as a trainer for the Minneapolis VA's Psychology Service Training Program. Within the department, I am a graduate student advisor for the Clinical Science and Psychopathology Research Program and supervise clinical training of psychology graduate students, and post-doctoral psychologists for licensure.
Expertise
- Clinical & cognitive assessment
- EEG collection and analysis
Research Summary
Dr. Sponheim's primary research focus is to understand how genetic risk for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are expressed in the functions of the brain. He uses recordings of brain electrical activity (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of brain function and structure, cognitive assessments, and questionnaire and interview-based assessments of symptoms to map the expression of genetic vulnerability. Dr. Sponheim carries out studies of families affected by schizophrenia and bipolar disorder to understand the ways in which individuals affected by schizophrenia and bipolar disorder differ from biological relatives may carry genetic vulnerability for the conditions but do not develop the mental disorder. The discovery of measures that clearly identify either genetic vulnerability or future development of a severe mental disorder will allow early intervention and possible prevention of these conditions before they impair a person's life. Dr. Sponheim also studies military-related traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder in a search for brain-based measures that differentiate the two conditions and may help guide treatment decisions for individuals who have been exposed to traumatic explosive blast events in combat.
Clinical Summary
Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder; Post-traumatic Stress Disorder; Empirically-Validated Recovery Interventions for Severe and Persistent Mental Disorders