Jennifer Coughlin, M.D.

Biography

Jennifer Coughlin, M.D., is a Professor and Director of the Molecular Imaging in Psychiatry Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She holds a secondary appointment in the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute. Dr. Coughlin also has an adjunct appointment as Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University.  

After growing up in Baltimore, Dr. Coughlin received her M.D. from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She then completed her internship and psychiatric residency training, followed by a clinical research fellowship in molecular psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland,

Before joining UT Southwestern Medical Center in 2024, Dr. Coughlin directed the Johns Hopkins Young Adult Affective Disorders Inpatient Service and the Young Adult Affective Disorders Consultation Clinic. 

Dr. Coughlin focuses her research on molecular neuroimaging techniques, particularly the use of novel radiotracers with positron emission tomography (PET). Her team aims to inform the molecular understanding of neuropsychiatric conditions, and identify novel, precision therapies guided by imaging results.  Recent research has focused on the contribution of the neuroimmune response to neurologic and psychiatric conditions spanning studies of repeated traumatic brain injury, psychosis, treatment-resistant mood disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and healthy aging. Dr. Coughlin’s work has uncovered evidence of past brain injury in former collision sport athletes and is guiding studies of how the brain’s immune response may be modulated to promote repair. New radiotracers for use with PET are clarifying the immune contribution to treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder and to psychotic conditions.

Dr. Coughlin’s commitment to addressing unmet medical needs is evidenced by her continued clinical commitments to patient care and membership in initiatives to grow a future workforce of clinician scientists. She recently joined the UTSW Multispecialty Psychiatry Clinic and focuses on initial evaluations of young adults with suspected affective illness. She also participates in the UTSW Clinical Scholars Program Selection Committee.

During her spare time, Dr. Coughlin enjoys the arts, outdoor activities, and cheering for her children at swim meets.