Derek Mitchell

Dr. Derek Mitchell is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Anatomy & Cell Biology at Western University. He holds a Ph.D. from University College London. His research focuses on understanding how neural systems integrate emotion with cognition and behavior, with a particular emphasis on psychiatric disorders such as psychopathy, mood disorders, and anxiety. He employs techniques including fMRI, MEG, and neuropsychological methods to investigate the functional neuroanatomy underlying emotional experiences and their dysregulation in clinical populations.

His work spans topics such as decision-making, empathy deficits in psychopathy, and the neural mechanisms of guilt and fear. Recent studies explore the impact of cannabis use on emotion regulation in youth and the neural correlates of personal space perception. Mitchell’s interdisciplinary approach bridges cognitive neuroscience, psychiatry, and clinical research.

• Education: Ph.D., University College London
• Key Techniques: fMRI, MEG, Psychophysiological Testing
• Focus Areas: Psychopathy, Neurodegenerative Disorders, Emotional Processing

Publications highlight contributions to understanding psychopathic traits in children, oxytocin effects in dementia, and the role of ventral prefrontal cortex in decision-making. His research has implications for diagnosing and treating psychiatric conditions through neurobiological insights.