Psychiatry

The Department of Psychiatry is committed to the area of research. Current studies are noted below.

TF-CBT for Adjudicated Youth in Residential Treatment

Principal Investigators: Judith Cohen, M.D. and Anthony Mannarino, Ph.D.
Length of Study: July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2014
Funding Source: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

In the spring of 2011, Judith Cohen, M.D. and Anthony Mannarino, Ph.D. were awarded funding from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) for their research study entitled “TF-CBT for Adjudicated Youth in Residential Treatment.” The project, which began in July, is a multi-center, randomized controlled study of two delivery strategies for TF-CBT among residential treatment facility (RTF) centers in New England. The study will compare web-based (W) versus W plus live training (W+L) for delivering an evidence-based youth trauma treatment, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to therapists in 10 RTFs serving adjudicated youth ages 12-17 years old. Sixty therapists will be randomized to receive W vs. W+L, then will treat approximately 300 youth in RTF settings to determine whether W+L is superior to W in achieving positive youth outcomes. A cost benefit analysis will also be conducted.

The W (web-based) intervention consists of TF-CBTWeb training and open access to the TF-CBTConsult implementation and the W+L (W + Live) strategy consists of W + 2-day expert TF-CBT training plus 12 months of bimonthly phone consultation with training to TF-CBT fidelity standards.

The results will allow RTF programs to establish standard methodology in which staff receive integrated trauma-informed and evidence-based trainings and deliver TF-CBT with fidelity, successfully addressing PTSD and depressive symptoms, and minimizing future offending, incarceration, and possibly suicide among a highly vulnerable population.
 

Allegheny General Hospital Center for Traumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents

Principal Investigator: Judith Cohen, M.D.
Co-Principal Investigator: Anthony Mannarino, Ph.D.
Length of Study: October 1, 2009-September 30, 2012
Funding Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Study description:

The AGH CTSCA will continue as a National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) Treatment and Services Adaptation (TSA) Center with expertise in child abuse and child traumatic grief (CTG), adapting and disseminating trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT) and abuse-focused CBT (AF-CBT) with a focus on enhancing resiliency for military children and for abused children ages 8-17 years in residential treatment facilities. Drs. Cohen and Mannarino will disseminate these treatment models through learning collaboratives and other training and consultation activities. In addition, they will develop informational and engagement products for parents of physically abused children as well as products for community providers about childhood traumatic grief.

Dissemination of TF-CBT in Residential Treatment Facilities in Pennsylvania

Principal Investigators: Judith Cohen, M.D. and Anthony Mannarino, Ph.D.
Length of Study: March 1, 2010-July 31, 2011
Funding Source: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

This study will train clinicians in residential treatment facilities across the state of Pennsylvania in TF-CBT as well as measure outcomes in the children.

Cognitive Functioning in Childhood Trauma

Principal Investigator: Glen Getz, Ph.D.
Years Funded: Ongoing
Funding Source: Allegheny General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry

Study description:
Cognition in children between the ages of 8-12 years old who have experienced trauma prior to receiving treatment is being examined. This study is comparing performance on measures examining cognitive functioning in children who suffer childhood trauma vs. a nontrauma comparison group. Based upon preliminary results from previous research, this study focuses on four specific areas of cognitive functioning: sustained attention, memory, facial affect recognition and executive functioning. This study also aims to better understand the effect of depression and anxiety in these children on cognitive skills.

An Open Label Trial of Duloxetine in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Comorbid Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Principal Investigator: Alicia Kaplan, M.D.
Years Funded: October 2009 - March 2012
Funding Source: Allegheny General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry

Study description:

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the antidepressant duloxetine (brand name Cymbalta) in treating patients aged 18-65 years old with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), any subtypes, and coexistent Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The secondary objective is to evaluate the quality of life changes in this select patient population. Participants will undergo an initial screening to confirm a GAD diagnosis; the study is 16 weeks in length. Treatment is located at Four Allegheny Center and is free of charge.