Treatment Research Program

The Treatment Research Program is dedicated to the study and treatment of people with schizophrenia. The Program as a whole incorporates a diverse scope of research including, clinical trials, brain imaging, clinical biochemistry, and outcome studies. The Program also includes an Office of Research Compliance and Oversight, and works with other affiliated clinical programs and scientists.

Dr. Robert R. Conley is the Chief of the Treatment Research Program. He is a Professor at the University of Maryland Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy. Dr. Conley is an internationally recognized expert in the study and treatment of schizophrenia and has lectured worldwide on findings from the studies done within the Treatment Research Program. He has an extensive list of publications. Dr. Conley was also one of the investigators who participated in the original multi-center study that determined the effectiveness of clozapine.

The Treatment Research Program is supported by both Clinical Staff and Research Staff.

Program Goals

•To give persistently ill patients an opportunity to receive new medications and/or to determine the optimal phamacologic treatment for each patient
•To determine the efficacy of the 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 with certain individuals
•To evaluate the latest brain imaging techniques to help determine how medications work in the brain
•To study and address the rehabilitation need of patients whose life management and social skills may have deteriorated as a result of their illness
•To ensure that all necessary research requirements are met and maintained throughout the course of a research study so that the rights of the research participants are protected and the integrity of the research is preserved.

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 address the challenge of treating people with schizophrenia.

Clinical Program

The TRU has a multi disciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychopharmacologists, a psychologist, social workers, recreation therapists, and psychiatric nurses. When admitted to the program, each patient will receive a comprehensive physical and psychiatric assessment. 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 the latest brain imaging techniques are available.

Family Involvement

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. Specific information about opportunities in research and the research process are given to patients and their families.

The general criteria for admission are:

•Males and Females between 18 and 65 years of age
•Diagnoses of Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder
•Persistent psychotic symptoms while taking antipsychotic medication
•Ability to understand and voluntarily consent to program requirements
•Medically stable

Referral Information

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. If you are interested in becoming a Research Fellow at the Treatment Research Program, please contact Matthew Nelson to request more information.

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