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

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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