Treatment Research Program

 

The Treatment Research Program has been dedicated to the study and treatment of people with schizophrenia since 1989.  The Program as a whole incorporates a diverse range of research including clinical trials, brain imaging, clinical biochemistry, and outcome studies. In 2005 MPRC entered into a $25 million contractual collaboration with the National Institute on Drug Abuse Administration (NIDA) to study co-occurring disorders.  This contract is administered by the TRP and has provided funding for a large number of projects which include the study of substance abuse along with serious mental illnesses, including schizophrenia.   The collaboration has allowed for further expansion of the translational and clinically relevant work done in this program. 

 

Dr. Deanna L. Kelly is the Acting Chief of the Treatment Research Program and the Principal Investigator/Program Manager of the Residential Research Contract with NIDA. She is an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Kelly is an internationally recognized expert in the study and treatment of schizophrenia and her research interests and projects have focused on the effectiveness of antipsychotic treatments for people with schizophrenia and improving long term outcomes in the areas of medical comorbidity, dual diagnosis and mortality. Dr. Kelly has been a part of the TRP for the past 11 years. She has been the Principal Investigator on many studies examining clinical outcomes of novel antipsychotic medications, including weight gain and metabolic issues, prolactin related adverse events and sexual functioning, nicotine and cannabis use and cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality in people with schizophrenia.  She has authored and coauthored over 60 peer reviewed publications, 9 books and book chapters, and has given over 150 presentations and invited talks. She has coauthored the third edition of a recently published book entitled “Pharmacologic Treatment of Schizophrenia.” Additionally, she has received the National Institute of Mental Health New Investigator Award and the International Congress on Schizophrenia Research Young Investigator Award.  She is a member of the Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT) and this past year she was accepted as a full member in the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) a prestigious organization of leaders in the field of psychiatry.

 

The research team and staff in the TRP, led by the Director of Research Operations, Ms. Stephanie M. Feldman, MSW, LCSW-C consists of 6 research assistants, two research nurses, a regulatory and Institutional Review Board specialist, a coordinator, a data analyst, administrative support, and a study recruitment specialist. Other faculty in the TRP include a research fellow and two supporting faculty members, Douglas Boggs, Pharm.D, MS and Kimberly Warren, PhD. This team is well versed in all aspects of clinical research and maintain trainings and requirements in order to meet the highest ethical and safety standards for clinical research.  

 

Program Goals (Treatment and Research)

To determine the efficacy of new medications and the impact of these drugs on symptoms of the illness

•To evaluate the reasons that traditional therapies and treatment are not effective for certain individuals

•To give persistently ill patients an opportunity to receive new medications and/or to determine the optimal pharmacologic treatment for each person.

To study and determine the best treatments for individuals who have both serious mental illness and substance abuse problems.

To study long term outcomes of the illness and address medical comorbidities and lifestyle risks that may decrease morbidity and mortality in the illness

To better understand individualized treatments needed for special populations; treatment resistance, gender specific needs and depressive symptoms

•To study and address the rehabilitation need of patients whose life management and social skills may have be impaired as a result of their illness

 

Treatment Research Units

The heart of the Treatment Research Program consists of the Treatment Research Units (TRU). Originally established in 1989, the TRU is operated by the Spring Grove Hospital Center in a collaborative effort with the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center. The TRU is viewed as a primary resource for Maryland's Mental Hygiene Administration to improve treatment for people with schizophrenia throughout the state.  It is supported by both research and clinical staff in a uniquely collaborative program. The TRU consists of two 24 bed fully staffed inpatient units The TRU has a multi-disciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychopharmacologists, a psychologist, social workers, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, and psychiatric nurses. When admitted to the program, each patient will receive a comprehensive physical and psychiatric assessment. Dr. Charles Richardson,Spring Grove Hospital Center Unit Director and Adjunct Clinical Professor at the University of Maryland leads the medical care provided at the TRU. Two other board certified psychiatrists, Dr.Gopal Vyas and Dr.Ruth Shaw-Taylor also care for patients during their stay on these units A person will generally enter the research education group shortly after admission. An individualized treatment plan is developed which integrates appropriate therapeutic modalities and specific treatment goals. In the program, the newest medications and treatment modalities are available.

 

REFERRAL PROCESS;

The TRU accepts patient referrals from the entire State of Maryland. When a referral is received, a social worker will visit the referring agency, consult with the treatment team and review the medical record. If the patient appears appropriate, they are approached at that time. The research program is explained to them and patients are encouraged to visit and tour the program prior to admission. Family members are also informed and encouraged to meet with TRU staff prior to admission.  

 

The general criteria for admission to the inpatient units are:

•Males and Females between 18 and 65 years of age
•Diagnoses of Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder

•Ability to understand and voluntarily consent to program requirements
•Medically stable

 

To obtain further information or to make a referral, please contact:
Mandy Porta, LCSW-C
Tel: 410-402-6875
Fax: 410-402-6880
Email: mporta@mprc.umaryland.edu

If you are a Family Member of someone that you think may benefit from the Treatment Research Program, please contact Mandy Porta to request more information.