Arifa Zaidi, MD

My research focuses on understanding the complex factors that influence mental health and developing interventions to improve patient outcomes. I am particularly interested in the intersection of childhood trauma, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and pharmacological treatments for mental health disorders. 

One area of my work is exploring trauma-informed care for children. In addition, I have investigated the role of pharmacological treatments in managing trauma-related disorders. For instance, my work on the use of guanfacine for treating PTSD in adolescents explores its potential to alleviate symptoms and improve overall functioning. This research may lead to more targeted treatments for young patients experiencing trauma. I have also completed studies investigating the presence of adverse childhood experiences in both inpatient pediatric and outpatient adult settings. 

I am also engaged in exploring the role of global health education in medical training. For example, I have co-authored studies on how incorporating feminist perspectives and global cinema into medical curricula can deepen medical students’ understanding of women's health across cultures. This research highlights the importance of a life-course and gender equity approach to women's health. 

One of my continued interests involved medical education, particularly in developing novel approaches to teach about the impact of adverse childhood experiences. My team has worked on developing and promoting an interactive experience to teach about the social determinants of health through an immersive experience that has been presented at the national APA conference as well as the national AADPRT conference.  Ultimately, my research aims to improve mental health care by integrating evidence-based therapies and treatments, while also broadening the scope of education for future medical professionals.