Lauren A. M. Lebois, PhD

The Dissociative Disorders and Trauma Research Program, founded in 2013 by Dr. Milissa Kaufman and jointly directed by Dr. Kaufman and Dr. Lauren Lebois, is dedicated to improving how trauma-related conditions are understood, identified, and treated. The lab focuses on individuals with histories of childhood trauma who experience dissociative symptoms—such as memory gaps, emotional numbing, feeling disconnected from one’s body or surroundings, and identity alteration—that are common in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociative identity disorder (DID).

Despite being common and clinically significant, dissociative symptoms are frequently overlooked or misunderstood in medical and mental health settings. This contributes to delayed diagnosis, ineffective treatment, and significant distress for patients. A central goal of the lab’s work is to reduce these gaps by providing scientifically grounded evidence that improves assessment, guides treatment decisions, and reduces stigma surrounding dissociation.

The group’s research integrates lived experience, behavioral science, brain imaging, physiology, and genetics to better characterize the diverse ways people adapt to trauma. By documenting how dissociative symptoms differ across individuals—and how they relate to functioning and recovery—we aim to move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches to trauma care. This work supports more precise, personalized interventions and helps clinicians identify which patients are most likely to benefit from particular treatments.

A major focus of the lab is identifying biological markers of trauma-related dissociation that can be used to support earlier identification and intervention. Study findings show that dissociation reflects distinct, measurable brain-based and physiological processes rather than purely subjective experiences. They have demonstrated that patterns of brain connectivity can predict dissociative symptoms and that these markers help identify individuals at risk for more severe or persistent PTSD symptoms over time. These insights open the door to new treatment targets and objective tools to track clinical change.

The lab also conducts rigorous research on DID, a highly stigmatized condition that is more prevalent than commonly recognized and strongly linked to chronic childhood maltreatment. Individuals with DID often wait many years for an accurate diagnosis. Their work contributes objective evidence about the neurobiological and perceptual features of DID, helping to counter misinformation that has historically limited access to appropriate care.

Finally, through participation in large-scale, international research collaborations, the investigators work to ensure that discoveries translate beyond the laboratory into real-world clinical practice. By identifying brain-based and genetic markers of trauma-related disorders, the lab aims to improve trauma-informed care, clinical training, and ultimately enhance outcomes for individuals and families affected by trauma.