Substance Abuse:

Studies involve basic behavioral research with humans and the development and assessment of therapeutic modalities. Current work includes investigation of the behavioral economics of drug dependence, buprenophine as a treatment medication for opioid dependence, treatment of cocaine dependence using a voucher-based behavioral approach, nicotine dependence, detoxification of opioid-dependent adolescents, adolescent marijuana dependence, impulsivity in drug dependence, the reliability and validity of marijuana withdrawal symptoms, and estimates of alcohol consumption using Interactive Voice Response. Computer-based models of therapy to promote abstinence are being evaluated and show promise as cost-effective adjuncts to traditional treatments. These projects are funded by a variety of NIH grants. The Department also has been the recipient of a training grant for over 12 years from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to support training in drug abuse research. Two members of the Department have received the prestigious MERIT award from the NIH. These unsolicited awards permit up to 10 years of continuous funding for research. You can find more information on current research being performed at our website . Also, a Methadone Clinic, linked to the Substance Abuse Treatment Center, provides opportunities for a variety of studies in a clinical setting

Neuroscience:

The Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit (CNRU) is focused on studies that investigate the mechanisms, treatment, and amelioration of cognitive and emotional disorders with a focus on both development and aging. The laboratory has particular expertise in understanding the role of central cholinergic receptors in human cognition and motor functioning in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder and the effects of hormones interacting with neurotransmitters on brain function. The CNRU conducts an active research program utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brain to examine the effects of hormones, medications, and disorders on cognition and emotion.

Studies examine the role of estrogen, central cholinergic function, and catecholamines on cognition, mood, and behavior after menopause as well as studies of a developmental disorders (e.g. ADHD) in the cognitive consequences of normal aging. The CNRU conducts treatment studies of new pharmaceutical agents for cognitive and behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, in both ambulatory and long-term care settings. There are regular clinical trials for the treatment of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorders in young and elderly populations. Please see further information on our website for details of individual studies that are currently being performed as well as the recent publications section for details of past research.

Child Psychopathology and Wellness:

The Vermont Center for Children, Youth, and Families (VCCYF) is actively involved in a number of research projects funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and other state and federal sources. This research focuses on the genetic and environmental factors involved in child psychopathology and wellness and includes studies of behavioral and molecular genetics, temperament, parenting, and dysregulation. Many studies also focus on improving the existing classification system of childhood psychiatric disorders and providing a standardized family based assessment of psychopathology in children. The Research Center of the VCCYF also is working on cross-cultural comparisons of psychopathology in several countries. The University is home to The Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessments (ASEBA) which includes widely used tools such as the Child Behavior Checklist that has been translated into over 60 languages and has used in thousands or research articles. Additional information about publications and research projects can be wound as the websites for the VCCYF and ASEBA.

Psychiatric Consultation:

Consultation research is examining prospective payment for inpatient psychiatry and assessment tools for dementia.  For more information on this research, please contact Terry Rabinowitz at 802-847-4727.