Weill Cornell Department of Psychiatry

Research Areas

Adult Affective Disorders
Anxiety Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Child and Adolescent
Depression
Eating Disorders
Geriatric Studies
Imaging Studies
Medication Trials
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Premenstrual Dysphoria Disorder (PMDD)
Psychotherapy
Schizophrenia
Sleep Studies
Virtual Reality
Women's Health
General Population

Adult Affective Disorders

Escitalopram (Lexapro) for Major Depression in Patients with Epilepsy
Age: 18-75
Criteria: Patients who have been diagnosed with epilepsy and are experiencing depression.
Duration/Length: 3 months
Contact: Courtney Shelly at 212-746-5705
Location: Weill Cornell Medical College/New York Presbyterian Hospital
Reference #: 0509008121
Compensation: $0, free treatment and study medication

ANXIETY DISORDER

Do You Have Nightmares or Anxious Reactions to Trauma Memories?
Involves propranolol or placebo when symptoms occur,
and cognitive therapy workbook
Age: 18-60 years
Criteria: No asthma or diabetes or heart problems
Duration/Length: 7 office visits
Compensation: $15 per visit
Contact: Dr. Altemus, 212-746-3751, maltemus@med.cornell.edu
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 6139

Are You Pregnant or Breastfeeding and Bothered by Worries,
Panic Attacks, Obsession or Compulsion?
Involves interviews and questionnaires
Age: 18 or older
Criteria: Must be pregnant or breastfeeding
Duration/Length: 3-5 in-person interviews, 4-5 phone calls
Compensation: $50 per each in-person interview
Contact: Diane, 212-746-3759, die2001@med.cornell.edu
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 7691

Psychotherapies for Panic Disorder
Involves free psychotherapy for patients with panic disorder
Age: 18-70 years
Criteria: Panic disorder (diagnosed at screening)
Duration/Length: Twice weekly psychotherapy sessions for 3 months, followed by monthly sessions for 1 year
Contact: Dr. Milrod, 212-746-5868
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 8040

MRI Brain Scans for Panic Disorder
Involves MRI brain scan and either psychotherapy or medication
Age: 18-55 years
Criteria: History of panic disorder, no current medications
Duration/Length: Weekly treatment for 12 weeks, 2 MRI brain scans
Compensation: Up to $200
Contact: Jude, 212-746-3782
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 3216A

MRI Brain Scans for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Involves MRI brain scan and interview
Age: 18-55 years Criteria: History of generalized anxiety disorder, no current medication
Duration/Length: 8 hours (assessment + 1 scan)
Compensation: Up to $100
Contact: Jude, 212-746-3782
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 3216B

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

FIRST WORDS Project
Improvement of screening tool to identify children with ASD at earlier ages.
Age: 16 - 24 months
Criteria: Children with communication delays, early red flags for autism or would like an re-evaluation
Duration: 2 half day assessments and one hour in-home video tape
Compensation: (2) $25 gift cards
Contact: Sarah Butler, 914-997-5892, sab2047@med.cornell.edu
Location: Center for Autism and the Developing Brain/Westchester
(other locations possible)

Longitudinal Studies of Autism Spectrum Disorders
To better understand children who do not develop language and assist professionals with differentiating between nonverbal children with developmental delays, other diagnoses and ASDs
Age: 8 - 16 years
Criteria: Very limited language (no words to simple phrases)
Duration: (2) half day assessments/ maybe one full day
Compensation: (2) $25 gift cards
Contact: Emma Salzman, 914-997-5534, ems2014@med.cornell.edu
Location: Center for Autism and the Developing Brain/Westchester
(other locations possible)

Development and Refinement of Diagnostic Measures for ASD
The study's goal is improve autism diagnostic tests used with adolescents and adults and to better understand teens and adults who do not develop language.
Age: 15-30 years
Criteria:

Very Limited Language (no words to simple phrases) with ASD or non ASD
Verbally fluent (complex sentences) with ASD

Duration: (2) half day assessments/ maybe one full day
Compensation: (2) $25 gift cards
Contact: Emma Salzman, 914-997-5534, ems2014@med.cornell.edu
Location: Center for Autism and the Developing Brain/Westchester
(other locations possible)

BIPOLAR DISORDER

Study Investigating the Use of Quetiapine (Seroquel) and Lithium in Patients with Bipolar Disorder Age: 18-68
Criteria: Patients who are experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder and are willing to take Lithium or Seroquel
Duration/Length: 9 study visits over 6 months
Contact: Courtney Shelly at 212-746-5705
Location: Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital
Reference #: 1007011132
Compensation: $50 per study visit.

Bipolar Mania Treatment in Older Adults
Involves medication trial
Age: 60+ years
Criteria: Diagnosed bipolar disorder, currently manic or hypomanic. Must be able to take Lithium or Depakote
Duration/Length: 9 weeks
Compensation: Up to $260
Contact: Laurie, 914-682-9100 ext. 2570, lad9011@med.cornell.edu
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY WESTCHESTER
Reference #: 7692

CHILD AND ADOLESCENT

How Do You See Objects and Faces?
Involves brain scan (MRI), questionnaires, and computer games
Age: 6-17 years
Criteria: Researchers will administer a questionnaire to determine exclusion
Duration/Length: Up to 3 hours
Compensation: Time and travel, plus a picture of his/her brain
Contact: Sarah, 212-746-4886, sag2014@med.cornell.edu
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 5442A

Seeking Children and Parents Who Have Experienced Divorce or Separation
Involves completing questionnaires
Age: 8-12
Criteria: Must be in outpatient therapy at Payne Whitney Westchester
Duration/Length: About 1.5 hrs
Compensation: 2 free movie vouchers
Contact: Dr. Robins, 914-997-5851, anr9019@med.cornell.edu
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY WESTCHESTER
Reference #: 7388

Are You Having Difficulty in your Relationships and in Pursuing your Goals?
Are You Engaging in Self-Destructive Behavior?
Involves individual psychotherapy sessions and bi-monthly evaluations
Age: 14-21 years
Criteria: Females with interpersonal difficulties in school, family, or peer functioning that live at home with family
Duration/Length: Weekly individual psychotherapy for 6 months and bi-monthly follow-up evaluation for 12 months. A total commitment of 12 months
Compensation: Starbucks Gift Card following the bi-monthly follow-up evaluations
Contact: Dr. Odom, 914-997-5946, ano9021@med.cornell.edu
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY WESTCHESTER
Reference #: 8834

Help Us Understand How The Brain Works!
Involves an MRI scan, computer games, questionnaires, and interviews
Age: 4-35 years
Criteria: Researchers will administer an in-house questionnaire
Duration/Length: 1 visit, up to 3 hours
Compensation: Up to $110
Contact: Vicki, 212-746-4886, vil2008@med.cornell.edu
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 9216

How Do You See Objects and Faces?
Involves MRI brain scan, computer games, questionnaires, and interviews
Age: 6-35 years
Criteria: No history of psychiatric illness
Duration/Length: 2 visits, up to 3 hours the first day and up to 2 hours the second day
Compensation: Up to $75 plus a picture of your brain
Contact: Vicki, 212-746-4886, vil2008@med.cornell.edu
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 5442

Help Us Understand Decision-Making, Brain Activity and Adolescence!
Involves an MRI scan, computer games, questionnaires, urine test and saliva sample
Age: 7-35 years
Criteria: Researchers will administer an in-house questionnaire
Duration/Length: 1 visit, up to 3 hours
Compensation: Up to $110
Contact: Vicki, 212-746-4886, vil2008@med.cornell.edu
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 7446

How Do Genes Influence How You Think and Feel?
Involves computer games, questionnaires, and interviews
Age: 2 months-40 years
Criteria: Researchers will administer an in-house questionnaire
Duration/Length: 1 visit, up to 3 hours
Compensation: Up to $45
Contact: Vicki, 212-746-4886, vil2008@med.cornell.edu
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN Reference #: 9197

DEPRESSION

Are You an Older Adult who is Depressed, Disabled,
and Receives Home-Delivered Meals?
Involves psychotherapy and/or case management sessions in your own home
Age: 65 years and older
Criteria: Must be depressed, disabled, and receive home-delivered meals
Duration/Length: 1 session per week for 3 months
Compensation: Up to $100
Contact: Tim, 914-997-4390
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY WESTCHESTER
Reference #: 8461

Depression in Older Adults Doesn't Have to be a Fact of Life
Involves an FDA approved antidepressant medication
Age: 60-85 years
Criteria: Right handed, non-color blind with unipolar non-psychotic depression
Duration/Length: Weekly and biweekly visits for 14 weeks, including tests of memory and attention abilities
Compensation: Up to $345 plus transportation costs
Contact: 1-800-NYP-1902, 1-800-697-1902 (Depression Screening Hotline)
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY WESTCHESTER
Reference #: 9061

Are You an Older Adult Who is Depressed, Disabled with Memory Problems?
Involves psychotherapy in your own home
Age: 65+ years
Criteria: Must be depressed, disabled with memory problems
Duration/Length: 1 session weekly for 3 months
Compensation: Up to $75 plus travel
Contact: Tim, 914-997-4390
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY WESTCHESTER
Reference #: 5971

Group Psychotherapy for Depressed, Older Adults
Involves weekly group psychotherapy and mood symptom assessment
Age: 60+ years
Criteria: Diagnosis of major depression
Duration/Length: 1 session per week for 24 weeks
Contact: Dr. Marino, 914-997-8691
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY WESTCHESTER
Reference #: 9201

Depression in Older Adults Doesn�t Have to be a Fact of Life
Involves an FDA approved antidepressant medication
Age: 60-85 years
Criteria: Right handed, non-color blind with unipolar non-psychotic depression
Duration/Length: Weekly and biweekly visits for 14 weeks, including tests of memory and attention abilities
Compensation: Up to $345 plus transportation costs
Contact: 1-800-NYP-1902, 1-800-697-1902 (Depression Screening Hotline)
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY WESTCHESTER
Reference #: 9061

Naps to Augment Daily Sleep Amounts in Older Individuals
Involves overnight stays in sleep laboratory
Age: 60+ years
Criteria: Able to nap 5x per week, no history of sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs
Duration/Length: 6 weeks, including 7 nights and days spent in sleep lab
Compensation: $700
Contact: Dr. Murphy, 914-997-5825
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY WESTCHESTER
Reference #: 8065

Medication Augmentation for Treatment Resistant Depression in Older Adults
Involves an anti-inflammatory agent
Age: 55-85
Criteria: Clinically significant depressive symptoms after at least 6 weeks on an antidepressant.
Duration/Length: Weekly and bi-weekly visits for 8 weeks, including tests of memory and attention.
Compensation: $125.00
Location: Weill-Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry (Westchester)
Contact: (914) 997-4331

Computerized Cognitive Remediation Augmentation for Treatment Resistant Depression in Older Adults
Involves computerized cognitive training designed to address mood and cognitive symptoms of depression.
Age: 60-89
Criteria: Clinically significant depressive symptoms after at least 6 weeks on an antidepressant.
Duration/Length: 3-5 weekly visits for 4 weeks.
Compensation: $250.00
Location: Weill-Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry (Westchester)
Contact: (914) 997-4331

Computerized Cognitive Remediation for Depression in Older Adults
Involves computerized cognitive training designed to address mood and cognitive symptoms of depression.
Age: 60-89
Criteria: Diagnosis of major depression
Duration/Length: 3-5 weekly visits for 4 weeks.
Compensation: $250.00
Location: Weill-Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry (Westchester)
Contact: (914) 997-4331

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depressed-Disabled Older Adults
Involves weekly individual psychotherapy and mood symptom assessments
Age: 60-89
Criteria: Diagnosis of major depression; Must live within the NYC 5 boroughs.
Duration/Length: Weekly visits for 12 weeks.
Compensation: $250.00
Location: Weill-Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry (Westchester)
Contact: (914) 997-4331

EATING DISORDERS

Placebo Controlled Medication Study for Adults with Anorexia Nervosa
Involves medical monitoring and medication Age: 18-55 years
Criteria: Diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa and no other major medical or psychiatric problems
Duration/Length: 16 weekly sessions (approx. 1 hour) with follow-ups at 20 and 24 weeks
Contact: Melanie Lipton at (914)-682-5475, mel2012@med.cornell.edu
Location: Payne Whitney Westchester

Family Therapy Treatment for Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa
Involves family therapy and medication
Age: 12-18 years and families
Criteria: Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and family involvement
Duration/Length: 16-18 sessions (1 hour) over 6 months
Contact: Samantha, 914-997-4395, sab2024@med.cornell.edu
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY WESTCHESTER
Reference #: 8082

GERIATRIC STUDIES

Daytime Sleepiness? Feeling Depressed?
Involves use of FDA-approved medication
Age: 60-85 years
Criteria: Diagnosis of major depression and daytime sleepiness
Duration/Length: 1 visit per week for 9 weeks
Compensation: Up to $225, plus reimbursement for travel
Contact: 1-800-NYP-1902, 1-800-697-1902 (Depression Screening Hotline)
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY WESTCHESTER
Reference #: 7544

IMAGING STUDIES

How Do You See Objects and Faces?
Involves brain scan (MRI), questionnaires, and computer games
Age: 6-35 years
Criteria: Researchers will administer an in-house questionnaire to determine exclusion
Duration/Length: Up to 3 hours
Compensation: Time and travel, plus a picture of his/her brain
Contact: Sarah, 212-746-4886, sag2014@med.cornell.edu
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 5442A/B

Genetic Study for Bipolar Disorder
Involves MRI brain scan, genetic and cognitive testing
Age: 18+ years
Criteria: Diagnosis of bipolar disorder, in remission
Duration/Length: 3 visits over 1 month
Compensation: Up to $250
Contact: Dr. Kocsis, 212-746-5913
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 8975

MRI Brain Scans for Panic Disorder
Involves MRI brain scan and either psychotherapy or medication
Age: 18-55 years
Criteria: History of panic disorder, no current medications
Duration/Length: Weekly treatment for 12 weeks, 2 MRI brain scans
Compensation: Up to $200
Contact: Jude, 212-746-3782,
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 3216A

MRI Brain Scans for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Involves MRI brain scan and interview
Age: 18-55 years
Criteria: History of generalized anxiety disorder, no current medication
Duration/Length: 8 hours (assessment + 1 scan)
Compensation: Up to $100
Contact: Jude, 212-746-3782,
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 3216B

MRI Brain Scans for Schizophrenia
Involves MRI brain scans and interview
Age: 18-55 years
Criteria: Diagnosis of schizophrenia, paranoid or non-paranoid
Duration/Length: 8 hours (assessment + 2 scans)
Compensation: Up to $200
Contact: Jude, 212-746-3782
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 3216C

MRI Brain Scan for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Involves MRI brain scan, interview, and daily rating scales
Age: 18-55 years
Criteria: Diagnosis of PMDD
Duration/Length: 2 MRI scans, daily ratings for 2-3 months (17 hours total)
Compensation: Up to $250
Contact: Elizabeth, 212-746-3784
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 5911

PET Scan for Brain Imaging in Schizophrenia
Involves interview and PET scan
Age: 18-55 years
Criteria: Diagnosis of schizophrenia
Duration/Length: 3 hours (assessment + 1 scan)
Compensation: Up to $150
Contact: Jude, 212-746-3782
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 8320

MRI Brain Scan of Healthy Volunteers
Involves interview and MRI
Age: 18-55 years
Criteria: Healthy volunteers, no major medical, neurologic, or psychiatric history
Duration/Length: Up to 10 hours
Compensation: Up to $200
Contact: Jude, 212-746-3782
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 2811

MEDICATION TRIALS

Can PMS Medication be Taken Only on the Days You Feel Bad?
Involves Zoloft or placebo on days of premenstrual symptoms
Age: 18-45 years
Criteria: No psychiatric medication
Duration/Length: 10 office visits over 12 months, daily mood ratings
Compensation: Up to $100
Contact: Diane, 212-746-3759, die2001@med.cornell.edu
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 8815

Hot Flashes? Depression? Anxiety?
Involves antidepressant medication and blood draws
Age: 40-75 years
Criteria: Postmenopausal women who suffer from hot flashes, anxiety, or depression
Duration/Length: 2 blood draws over 2 months
Compensation: $25 per visit, plus complementary sex therapy consultation
Contact: Dr. Bartlik, (212) 821-0789, bdb2001@med.cornell.edu
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 7411

Dietary Supplement for Schizophrenia
Involves use of non-FDA regulated nutritional supplement
Age: 18-65 years
Criteria: Diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder without seizures
Duration/Length: 5 visits over 4 months (1-3 hours each)
Compensation: $10-$35, depending on length of visit
Contact: Judith, 914-682-6974, jme2003@med.cornell.edu
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY WESTCHESTER and MANHATTAN
Reference #: 7841

Do You Have Epilepsy and Depression?
Involves FDA approved antidepressant medication
Age: 18-75 years
Criteria: Must have epilepsy and depression
Duration/Length: 7 visits over 3 months
Contact: Emily, 212-746-3754
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 8121

Are You a Veteran or Civilian who Served in Iraq
or a Witness to the World Trade Center Attacks?
Evaluate the effects of combined Posttraumatic Stress Disorder treatments: D-cycloserine and Virtual Reality Esposure Therapy
Age: 18-70 years
Criteria: Participants are English-speaking, were exposed to the World Trade Center attacks or veterans of the Iraq war, diagnosed with PTSD symptoms, and in good health
Duration/Length: 12 weekly individualized sessions, lasting from 1-3 hours
Contact: Dr. Difede, 212-746-3079
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 7625

Investigational New Drug for Cognitive Difficulties in Schizophrenia
Involves twice monthly visits for nine months
Age: 18-65 years
Criteria: Must have schizophrenia diagnosis and be taking an atypical antipsychotic medication, which will continue throughout the study
Duration/Length: Alternating short (1 hour) and long (3 hour) visits and monthly blood draws
Compensation: $10 for short and $40 for long visit, with reimbursement of travel expenses
Contact: Judith, 914-682-6974, jme2003@med.cornell.edu
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY WESTCHESTER and MANHATTAN
Reference #: 9491

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)

Have You Been Exposed to a Traumatic Event?
Evaluate the effects of an individual treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder using exposure enhanced virtual reality technology
Age: 18-70 years
Criteria: Participants are English-speaking and were exposed to a traumatic event (i.e. the World Trade Center attacks, Hurricane Katrina)
Duration/Length: 12 weekly individualized sessions, lasting from 1-3 hours
Contact: Dr. Difede, 212-746-3019
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 0551

PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER (PMDD)

Are You Irritable or Moody Premenstrually?
Involves daily mood ratings, study medication or placebo, blood draws
Age: 18-50 years
Criteria: No birth control pills, no psychiatric medication
Duration/Length: 7 visits over 4 months
Compensation: Two follow-up visits to try other non-research treatments for PMS
Contact: Diane, 212-746-3759, die2001@med.cornell.edu
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 7100

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Mindfulness Stress Reduction Study Seeking Control Subjects
Involves blood draws, attention & concentration tests, questionnaires
Age: 18-75 yrs
Criteria: No psychiatric diagnosis, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Duration/Length: Three visits over 5 months
Compensation: A total of $40 for three visits ($10, $10, $20)
Contact: Dean, 212-821-0775
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 8181

SCHIZOPHRENIA

Dietary Supplement for Schizophrenia
Involves use of non-FDA regulated nutritional supplement
Age: 18-65 years
Criteria: Diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, no seizures within past year
Duration/Length: 5 visits over 4 months (1-3 hours each)
Compensation: $10-$35, depending on length of visit
Contact: Judith, 914-682-6974, jme2003@med.cornell.edu
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY WESTCHESTER and MANHATTAN
Reference #: 7841

SLEEP STUDIES

Have You Been Diagnosed with Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD)?
Involves living in sleep laboratory for 3 consecutive weeks
Age: 18-60 years
Criteria: Diagnosis of delayed sleep phase disorder
Duration/Length: 5 weeks, including 3 consecutive weeks residing in sleep lab
Compensation: $2000
Contact: Dr. Murphy, 914-997-5825
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY WESTCHESTER
Reference #: 8750

VIRTUAL REALITY

WOMEN'S HEALTH

Are You Pregnant or Breastfeeding and Bothered by Worries,
Panic Attacks, Obsession or Compulsion?
Involves interviews and questionnaires
Age: 18 or older
Criteria: Must be pregnant or breastfeeding
Duration/Length: 3-5 in-person interviews, 4-5 phone calls
Compensation: $50 per each in-person interview
Contact: Diane, 212-746-3759, die2001@med.cornell.edu
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY MANHATTAN
Reference #: 7691

GENERAL POPULATION

Have You Been Diagnosed with Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD)?
Involves living in sleep laboratory for 3 consecutive weeks
Age: 18-60 years
Criteria: No sleep problems
Duration/Length: 5 weeks, including 3 consecutive weeks residing in sleep lab
Compensation: $2000
Contact: Dr. Murphy, 914-997-5825
Location: PAYNE WHITNEY WESTCHESTER
Reference #: 8750

MRI Brain Scan of Healthy Volunteers

Ongoing Research

Research 1

Research 2

Weill Medical College of Cornell University

Weill Cornell Department of Psychiatry

Research Areas

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