At UCSD, where he has taught for over 35 years, Dr. Judd directs basic and clinical research focused on severe brain and behavior disorders throughout the life cycle. His department centers on mood disorders, late-onset psychoses, neurobehavioral aspects of HIV infection, child and adolescent services research and many other clinical and basic research programs. His research has centered on the course, recovery and outcome of mood and anxiety disorders and their management by psychopharmacologic medications.

As former Director of the NIMH from 1987 to 1990, Dr. Judd led national plans for research in schizophrenia and disorders in children and adolescents and for improved services for those with severe mental illness. He designed and led “The Decade of the Brain,” a plan launched as a Presidential proclamation to increase the neuroscience capacity of the nation.