RESEARCH TOPICS

Substance abuse is a serious social and medical problem worldwide. Among various psychoactive drugs, ketamine is one of the most commonly abused substances in Hong Kong. Using neuroimaging methods and biochemical techniques, we have conducted a series of major studies to explain how psychoactive drugs such as ketamine alter the structure and function of the brain and how these brain alterations affect mental functions in subjects with psychoactive drug abuse or dependence. Comprehensive data from these studies have been published, detailing the psychiatric comorbidities, cognitive impairment and evidence of brain damage among local ketamine users.