SCHIZOPHRENIA RESEARCH PROGRAM

The mission of the Schizophrenia Research Program at SUNY Downstate is to help develop more effective treatments for patient with schizophrenia. This goal is accomplished by clinical research that offers participants excellent clinical care, while at the same time advancing our knowledge of how to best treat this devastating illness.

Current research studies currently underway or to be started in the near future include:

• Testing the effects of the atypical antipsychotic ziprasidone (Zeldox) compared to olanzapine (Zyprexa) on weight and other health parameters for acutely-ill patients with schizophrenia,

• Evaluating the safety and effectiveness of adding sibutramine (Meridia) to overweight patients needing treatment with atypical antipsychotics,

• Determining the usefulness of a side effect screening measure known as the Approaches to Schizophrenia Communication (ASC) to pick up unrecognized side effects of antipsychotic treatment,

• Testing whether the new antipsychotic aripiprazole is more effective than conventional antipsychotics for treatment-resistant symptom,
• Looking at the effects of ziprasidone (Zeldox) and olanzapine (Zyprexa) on glucose tolerance in patients with schizophrenia who are found to have abnormal glucose tolerance tests,

• The efficacy and safety of higher doses of olanzapine (Zyprexa) for the acute treatment of psychotic agitation

• Participation in CATIE, which is an NIMH-sponsored, large-scale effectiveness study of the newer antipsychotics on the long-term course of outpatients with schizophrenia.

In addition to the above studies, the Schizophrenia Research Program is an integral part of the teaching and consultation services for schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders.

Schizophrenia Research Service Faculty

Peter J. Weiden, M.D.
Stephen Goldfinger, M.D.
Page Burkholder, M.D.