Joan Kaufman, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Psychiatry
Co-Director, Zigler Center Child Welfare Unit

Email:
joan.kaufman@yale.edu

Joan Kaufman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, and Director of the Child and Adolescent Research and Education (C.A.R.E.) Program within the Department. The C.A.R.E. Program is dedicated to work with maltreated children and their families. The research foci of the C.A.R.E. program are broad and span from neurobiology to social policy. Kaufman is currently involved in research utilizing magnetic resonance and diffusion tensor imaging to examine brain structure and function in maltreated children with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, research examining genetic and environmental factors that contribute to risk and resiliency in maltreated children, a study evaluating a new intervention developed by the state for children removed from their parents’ care due to allegations of abuse and neglect, and other studies examining the impact of early trauma on a broad range of child outcomes. Dr. Kaufman co-directs the Zigler Center’s Child Welfare Unit.

Select Publications

Kaufman, J., Yang, B.Z., Douglas-Palumberi, H., Grasso, D., Lipschitz, D., Houshyar, S., Krystal, J.H., & Gelernter, J.  (2006).   BDNF-5-HTTLPR Gene Interactions and Environmental Modifiers of Depression in Children. Biological Psychiatry; 59:673-680.

DeSena, A.D., Murphy, R.A., Douglas-Palumberi, H., Blau, G., Kelly, B., Horwitz, S., Kaufman, J. (2005). SAFE Homes: Is it Worth the Cost? An Evaluation of the Connecticut Model of Intervention For Children who Enter Out-of-Home Care. Child Abuse and Neglect; 29(6):627-43.

Kaufman, J., Yang, B.Z., Douglas-Palumberi, H., Houshyar, S., Lipschitz, D. Krystal, J.H., & Gelernter, J.  (2004).   Social supports and serotonin transporter gene moderate depression in maltreated children.   Proceeding National Academy of Science; 101: 17316-17321.

Kaufman,J., Plotsky, P., Nemeroff, C., & Charney, D. (2000). Effects of early adverse experience on brain structure and function: Clinical implications. Biological Psychiatry; 48:778-90.