Biomedical Frontiers: Winter/Spring 1996, Vol.3, No.2
Mental Health Research at Columbia

by John M. Oldham, M.D.
Professor and Associate Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, and Director, New York State Pyschiatric Institute

During 1996, the New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI) celebrates its centennial year as the nation's first psychiatric research facility. Throughout the decades, NYSPI has not only carried out research, but also provided clinical services, education, and training. This issue highlights a few ongoing accomplishments, specifically, in the area of mental health research.

Today's scientists are moving ahead in all areas of research. Drs. Charles Kaufmann and Dolores Malaspina are investigating the molecular genetics of schizophrenia, searching for the gene or genes involved as part of the National Institute of Mental Health's Genetics Initiative. Other researchers are exploring different aspects of schizophrenia. Dr. Malaspina is working on an olfactory deficiency associated with the deficit symptom syndrome in schizophrenia. Dr. Xavier Amador's specialty is the unique pattern of unawareness in schizophrenia. Dr. Ezra Susser has identified a connection between prenatal nutrition and schizophrenia. Dr. Larry Kegeles is using magnetic resonance spectroscopy to study levels of glutamate in the brain.

In other areas, Dr. Harold Sackeim is investigating the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation to replace electroconvulsive therapy for the treatment of depression. Drs. Kathleen Pike, Michael Devlin, and Timothy Walsh are all in the midst of clinical trials investigating various treatments for anorexia and binge eating. Finally, Dr. Jeremy Coplan has discovered that a non-human primate model for mood and anxiety disorders may have clinical implications.

These and other investigations continue to make both NYSPI and CPMC leaders in the field of mental health research. The first century of NYSPI's history has been highlighted by many significant accomplishments. Together with Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, the next 100 years should prove to be equally illustrious.