Q. Can the new technology ‘optogenetics’ be beneficial for Borderline Personality Disorder?

Optogenetics (an experimental method involving the use of light beams to make neurons fire one at a time) and related technologies will give us clues as to the brain circuits which are involved in a variety of brain and behavior disorders. Most researchers see optogenetics as a research rather than therapeutic tool ─ at least with today’s technologies. Our hope is that a better understanding of the circuitry will provide us with rational approaches for pharmacologically-based treatments (e.g. better drugs).