Associate Professor of Psychiatry
University of Illinois Chicago
Associate Director, UICOM Medical Scientist Training Program
Director, CLEAR Lab
Dr. Tory Eisenlohr-Moul (she/they) is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Illinois Chicago. They are a Clinical Psychologist with specialized training in both chronic suicidality and the pathophysiology of reproductive mood disorders -- particularly premenstrual disorders. As a scientist, they work primarily with mechanistic randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and longitudinal observation studies to clarify how ovarian steroids alter transdiagnostic RDoC constructs (e.g., processing of loss and threat) and related phenotypes (particularly suicidality and alcohol use) in susceptible females. Dr. Eisenlohr-Moul’s NIMH-funded trials (K99/R00MH109667; RF1MH120843) examine the effects of natural changes in neuroactive steroids (vs. exogenous steroid stabilization) on transdiagnostic mechanisms of proximal suicide risk during the perimenstrual weeks of the menstrual cycle. This work has provided the first evidence for the feasibility and safety of conducting experimental steroid manipulation studies in patients living with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Results of the first two trials indicate that perimenstrual hormone stabilization prevents the increase in suicidal ideation that is observed under placebo during the perimenstrual phase. Following these promising initial results, they were awarded a NARSAD Young Investigator Grant to evaluate the role of the immune system in these effects. Recently, they have also been awarded collaborative grants to study the role of the menstrual cycle in (1) adolescent suicidal ideation and behavior (R01MH122446), (2) alcohol use (R21AA028736; R01AA030065), (3) symptoms of ADHD (R01MH119119), and (4) symptoms of borderline personality disorder (R01MH126940). Dr. Eisenlohr-Moul is passionate about training early career scientists and empowering colleagues to conduct rigorous scientific work on the menstrual cycle and mental health.
Over the past six years, Dr. Eisenlohr-Moul has also volunteered as the Chair of the Clinical Advisory Board at the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD), a nonprofit that seeks to educate patients, health care providers, and scientists about premenstrual disorders, and to advocate for scientific, healthcare, and policy progress in this area. They have played a key role in guiding the organization toward science-based policies and practices that have increased the organization's prominence and trustworthiness. This work has culminated in the organization’s recent receipt of a PCORI stakeholder convening grant, which will bring together scientific, healthcare, and patient stakeholders to discuss the current state of the premenstrual disorders landscape and make recommendations for patient-informed science in this area as the field moves forward.
These scientific contributions and advocacy work has established Dr. Eisenlohr-Moul as an international expert in the pathophysiology and assessment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and cyclical exacerbation of other psychiatric disorders.
