Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a devastating psychiatric disorder and leading cause of disability worldwide. It affects women approximately twice as often as men, and incidence and symptoms differ between the sexes, affirming the importance of studying brain pathology of depression in both men and women. Women are three times as likely to have atypical depression, with hypersomnia and weight gain, suggesting...

Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) Clinical Services is very pleased to announce two additions to our inpatient physician leadership. Candace Fraser, DO and Wynne Lundblad, MD have accepted roles as inpatient medical directors for the Adult Mood and Anxiety Services Atrium Inpatient Unit and the Center for Overcoming Problem Eating, respectively. Candace Fraser, DO – Medical Director, Atrium Inpatient...

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly associated with combat service, but not everyone realizes that sleep disturbances are just as common in soldiers. It is estimated that 54% of those who have served in combat since 9/11 have insomnia, according to Anne Germain, PhD , who is an international leader in the field of sleep disturbances in trauma-related disorders, particularly PTSD. Dr. Germain is...

Understanding the mechanisms by which N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) regulate cortical circuit function is crucial for testing hypotheses that NMDAR hypofunction is involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Recent studies reveal that presynaptic NMDARs control transmitter release at cortical synapses, suggesting novel mechanisms of NMDAR action in cortical circuits. If presynaptic NMDARs enhance...

Please join us for a cocktail reception held during the American Psychiatric Association meeting in New York City on Monday, May 7 from 7 to 9 pm. David A. Lewis, MD, Department Chair and Kenneth C. Nash, MD, Vice Chair, Clinical Affairs will host the event. Please see the invitation for RSVP information.

Vishwajit Nimgaonkar, MD, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry and Human Genetics and Director, Program for Genetics and Psychosis, has dedicated the greater part of his career—spanning 25 years—to improving global mental health. Addressing the increasing global burden of mental illness and substance use disorders, he has collaborated with colleagues from Pittsburgh to Delhi, Mansoura, Cairo, and Hyderabad. Dr. Nimgaonkar...

The Department of Psychiatry is mourning the recent passing of Jeffrey Yao, PhD, an esteemed member of our faculty and an international expert in the field of psychopharmacology. Dr. Yao was a Senior Research Career Scientist at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) where he also directed the Neurochemistry and Psychopharmacology Laboratory for over 30 years, and was a Research Professor of Psychiatry and...

Oliver Lindhiem, PhD is an accomplished clinical scientist in the area of parenting-based interventions to prevent and treat childhood disruptive behavior disorders. He has developed several tools that enable clinicians to diagnose disorders more accurately and to determine whether children and parents have successfully learned skills taught in treatment and use them in daily life. His innovative ideas challenge a...

Mark Your Calendars! Don't forget to mark your calendars and join us on October 11, 2018 when the Department of Psychiatry and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) host the Seventh Annual Clinician Educator Showcase. This half-day event has become an important venue for highlighting clinical innovations implemented by our faculty and staff and for sharing information and strategies on career development...

Registration is now open for the annual Services for Teens at Risk (STAR-Center) Conference, which will take place May 4, 2018 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at the William Pitt Union on the University of Pittsburgh Oakland campus. Registration is from 8 to 8:30 am. "Modern Times: Assessing, Supporting, and Engaging Youth at Risk for Suicide in a Digital Era" is this year’s conference theme. STAR-Center Director David...