Faculty

David A Brent, MD

Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Epidemiology, and Clinical and Translational Science and Endowed Chair in Suicide Studies

Contact Details

3811 O'Hara Street
Pittsburgh
 
PA
 
15213
Phone 412-246-5596
Email
Website
Star Center
IMPACT
Assistant
Alycia Ford
fordal3@upmc.edu

Education & Training

MD
Jefferson Medical College
MSHyg
Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health
General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC
Cognitive Therapy, University of Pennsylvania Cognitive Therapy Institute
Psychiatric Epidemiology, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic of UPMC

Selected Honors & Awards

Morselli Medal, International Academy of Suicide Research
Ruane Prize, National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Affective Disorders
Top 10 Advancements and Breakthroughs in 2016, Brain & Behavior Research Foundation

Research Interests

Treatment of adolescent depression; Adolescent suicide prevention; Prediction of suicidal risk
Selected Research Publications & Products
  1. Brent DA, Hur K, Gibbons RD. Association between parental medical claims for opioid prescriptions and risk of suicide attempt by their children. JAMA Psychiatry. 2019 May 22. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.0940. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 31116357
  2. Brent DA, Melhem NM, Oquendo M, Burke A, Birmaher B, Stanley B, Biernesser C, Keilp J, Kolko D, Ellis S, Porta G, Zelazny J, Iyengar S, Mann JJ. Familial pathways to early-onset suicide attempt: a 5.6 year prospective study. JAMA Psychiatry. Feb 2015;72(2):160-168.
  3. Brent DA, Brunwasser SM, Hollon SD, Weersing VR, Clarke GN, Dickerson JF, Beardslee WR, Gladstone TR, Porta G, Lynch FL, Iyengar S, Garber J. Effect of a cognitive-behavioral prevention program on depression 6 years after implementation among at-risk adolescents: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psych. 2015;72(11):1110-1118.
  4. Brent D, Melhem N, Donohoe MB, Walker M. The incidence and course of depression in bereaved youth 21 months after the loss of a parent to suicide, accident, or sudden natural death. Am J Psychiatry. 2009;166:786-794.
  5. Brent D, Emslie G, Clarke G, Wagner KD, Asarnow JR, Keller M, Vitiello B, Ritz L, Iyengar S, Abebe K, Birmaher B, Ryan N, Kennard B, Hughes C, DeBar L, McCracken J, Strober M, Suddath R, Spirito A, Leonard H, Melhem N, Porta G, Onorato M, Zelazny J. Switching to another SSRI or to venlafaxine with or without cognitive behavioral therapy for adolescents with SSRI-resistant depression: The TORDIA randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2008;299:901-913.

Clinical Interests

Adolescent suicide and suicidal behavior; Cognitive behavior therapy; Adolescent depression
Selected Clinical Publications & Products
  1. Brent DA, Poling K. Cognitive Therapy Manual for Depressed and Suicidal Youth. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh; 1997.
  2. Poling K, Brent DA, Birmaher B. Understanding and Coping with Bipolar Illness: A Survival Manual for Families. Pittsburgh: WPIC; 1998.
  3. Kerr MM, Brent DA, McKain B, McCommons PS. Postvention Standards Manual - A Guide for a School's Response in the Aftermath of a Sudden Death. Pittsburgh:University of Pittsburgh; 2010.
  4. Brent DA, Poling K, Goldstein TR. Treating Depressed and Suicidal Adolescents: A Clinician's Guide New York: Guilford Press; 2011.

Education Interests

Research mentorship

Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry—Bridging Gaps in Care Following Hospitalization for Suicidal Adolescents: As Safe as Possible (ASAP) and BRITE App 

Dr. Goldstein and Dr. Brent

Over the past decade, rates of suicidal ideation and behavior in American adolescents have increased dramatically. One strategy for preventing suicide is to develop interventions for use during elevated risk periods, such as immediately following inpatient discharge for suicidal adolescents. The time during and immediately after hospital discharge offers a critical window to enhance vulnerable youths’ coping skills...

JAMA Network Open: Risk for Suicidal Behavior after Psychiatric Hospitalization among Sexual and Gender Minority Patients

Dr. Brian Thoma

The year following inpatient psychiatric hospitalization—particularly the first three months following discharge—are a period of high risk for suicidal behavior among psychiatric patients. Prior history of suicidal behavior, mood, anxiety, substance use, and post-traumatic stress disorders contribute to risk for future suicidal behavior within this population. Psychosocial stressors also contribute to risk for...

Prediction of Suicide Attempts and Suicide-Related Events Among Adolescents Seen in Emergency Departments

Emergency Room Doctors Rush Patient Down Hallway

Rates of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide have increased among adolescents over the past 15 years, with a sharp increase among Black and Hispanic youths. Moreover, there has been an increase in presentations to pediatric emergency departments for adolescent suicidal behavior that has accelerated since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A growing consensus contends that screening patients in...

David Brent, MD, Honored by the Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health 

Dr. David Brent

Congratulations to David Brent, MD (Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Epidemiology, and Clinical and Translational Science and Endowed Chair in Suicide Studies), who has received the Eric Taylor Translational Research into Practice Award from the UK-based Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. The award recognizes sustained contribution to translating research into practice and a...

Sleep Influences Daily Suicidal Ideation through Affective Reactivity to Interpersonal Events among High-risk Adolescents and Young Adults

Franzen & Colleagues Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry 2022

Suicide is a major public health problem and the second leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults. Identifying risk factors for suicidal ideation that are modifiable and relevant, such as sleep disturbances and interpersonal stress, is critical for suicide prevention. A group of investigators including Jessica Hamilton, PhD (Assistant Professor of Psychology, Rutgers University; former postdoctoral...