The Lieber Schizophrenia Research Clinic (LSRC) is located at the
New York State Psychiatric Institute
on the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Campus. To enroll in the LSRC
an individual will need to participate in research studies. The LSRC
provides state-of-the-art outpatient evaluation and clinical treatment
for individuals suffering with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder,
or new onset psychotic disorder.
Research studies are not designed for the individual’s direct benefit.
However, research findings that may have clinical significance for
treatment will be reported to the individual’s clinician.
Treatment services provided include: full psychiatric evaluation,
individual medication management visits with a clinic psychiatrist, and
weekly group therapy. Patients and their families are also invited to
participate in the Multiple Family Group (MFG), an educational support
group, run in conjunction with the Center for Family Education and
Research (CFER). Patients are only responsible for the cost of their
medications.
Goal of the LSRC:
To answer a wide range of questions about the nature and causes of
schizophrenia and its treatment through a multi-faceted research
program. The clinic’s ability to follow patients over time will help to
develop a more comprehensive knowledge base about schizophrenia. An
increased understanding will facilitate the development of more
effective treatments for this illness.
Criteria for Admission:
The LSRC staff will consider admitting only those individuals who are
willing to participate in research and whom they feel will benefit from
the evaluation and treatment provided. The following criteria must be
met for consideration:
- 18-65 years of age
- No significant medical problems
- No drug or alcohol use disorders
- No recent history of significant
violence or self-injurious behavior
- Ability to give informed consent for
the research procedures
- If you are currently not taking
medication and are determined to be clinically stable
by the treatment team, you may be asked to remain off of medication
for up to 3 weeks
Commonly Asked Questions About the
LSRC:
What are some of the research studies conducted through the LSRC?
- Diagnostic evaluation using research
instruments
- Neuropsychological evaluation of
cognitive functioning
- Studies of brain anatomy and
chemistry using MRI, fMRI, MRS, and PET
- PET/MRI imaging of receptor
occupancy with antipsychotic medications
- Electrophysiological evaluation of
information processing
- Role of stress in schizophrenia
- Clinical drug trials (only
occasionally)
In what ways will I benefit from
participation in the clinical program?
- Extensive diagnostic evaluations and
follow-up
- State-of-the-art treatment
How Do I Apply for the LSRC?
If you are interested in participating in the LSRC program,
call Beatriz Alvarez, Clinical Research Coordinator, at (212) 543-5418.
Your call will be returned to obtain some initial information and
answer any questions you may have. Individuals meeting the criteria
for admission consideration will be invited for an on-site screening
interview. The screening interview will provide an opportunity for
the individual and family to learn more about the different research
studies and clinical components of the LSRC program.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact:
Beatriz Alvarez, MA.
Clinical Research Coordinator
New York State Psychiatric Institute
1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 2
New York, NY 10032
Ph: 212-543-5418 Fax: 212-543-5537
E-mail: alvarez@pi.cpmc.columbia.edu
Roberto Gil, M.D.
LSRC Director
New York State Psychiatric Institute
1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 2
New York, NY 10032
Ph: 212-543-6190 Fax: 212-543-5537
E-mail: gilrobe@pi.cpmc.columbia.edu