Fortunato Battaglia

Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Seton Hall University (USA)

Alexander Bodini Research Fellow in Developmental and Adolescent Psychiatry

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on mood, craving, and relapses in drug users with depression

2023–2024: Spring

Fortunato Battaglia, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Medical Sciences and Neurology at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. Dr. Battaglia earned his medical degree from the University of Messina, Italy. He completed a residency in neurology at the University of Messina and a fellowship at the National Institute of Health (NINDS). Dr. Battaglia’s clinical and research interests include developing plasticity-based interventions for neuropsychiatric diseases, especially for patients with treatment-resistant depression, and neurodegenerative diseases. He has expertise in clinical neurophysiology and brain stimulation techniques including transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation. A primary aim of his translational research program is to investigate cortical plastic changes in motor, cognitive, and emotional circuits and to use this information to better understand the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric diseases and to further optimize treatment effectiveness, with a particular emphasis in brain stimulation therapies, and integrative medicine. In addition, has developed an international medical education research line focusing on investigating predictors of mental health and academic outcomes which gives medical student an opportunity to participate in mentored medical research. Under this mentorship model trainees develop skills, pursue their individual neuroscience research interests, and enhance their education beyond the core curriculum.