Psychiatry Department Research

Research within the Department reflects the diverse interests of the faculty. There is a rich distribution of basic and clinical studies because of the Department's basic research unit, the Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute (MBNI), which focuses upon neuroscience studies and their relationship to psychiatric disorders. Some current research areas are: neuroendocrine regulation in affective disorders; basic/molecular studies of neurotransmitter receptors; effects of psychotropic drugs on steroid and neurotransmitter receptors as well as second messenger systems; molecular biology of schizophrenia and dopamine receptor systems; molecular genetics of psychiatric disorders; and post-mortem studies in psychiatric disorders.

Clinical programs and the MBNI conduct fully integrated clinical research. The Stress and Anxiety Disorders Program, for example, does extensive biological research on stress and reproductive hormone abnormalities, the links of these hormones to immune functions in affective disorders, and characterization of sleep abnormalities in affective disorders and related illnesses. Other research examines the influence of psychosocial factors on affective illness and the long-term response of these disorders to treatment modalities, including electroconvulsive therapy.

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Section conducts research on infancy, developmental disorders, behavioral disorders, childhood anxiety disorders, childhood affective disorders, depression in adolescents, antisocial and conduct diagnostic groupings and the impact of divorce on children.

In the Adult Program there is ongoing research on neuroimaging; catecholaminergic sensitivity in anxiety disorders and phobias; sleep abnormalities as defined by polysomnography in a number of psychiatric and medical disorders; neuroendocrine links between medical illnesses and psychiatric symptoms; neurotransmitter systems, especially in cholinergic systems and schizophrenia; the link between aging and alcohol abuse; and the link between stress hormones and nicotine abuse.

At the Veteran's Administration Health System, psychobiological research on mental health disabilities in the aging veteran is being  conducted in four major areas: affective disorders, substance abuse, geriatric disorders and cognitive disorders.

Once the general residency is completed, graduates specifically interested in research may apply for a variety of research fellowships available for different units within the Department. The fellowships are generally two-year training grants that provide psychiatrist-clinicians time to develop basic research skills to prepare for careers in academic psychiatry. Both research and clinical responsibilities are expected of fellows.