Another research profile is studies of the genetic disposition for addiction and schizophrenia. The aim is to identify chromosomal regions linked to the disorder. A similarly designed study on alcohol addiction is carried out. There are unique possibilites for studies like these in Sweden, since patients can be identified through the Swedish national population registry and disease registry. A specialty of the section is the biological significance of endogenous opioids.
Naltrexone blocks the activity of the endogenous opioids and acamprosate affects glutamate action.
The mechanisms behind this are being studied. Other cellular processes studied include genomic imprinting, a phenomenon important during foetal development. Research is carried out to find ways to reduce the formation of amyloid plaques and thus arrest cellular death.