The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences’ robust translational research program not only brings the newest scientific discoveries to patients, it also gives patients many opportunities to participate in clinical trials of leading-edge mental health treatments.

Our research initiatives examine mental health issues that include, but are not limited to:

• Depression -- The Conte Center for the Neuroscience of Depression is dedicated to understanding the neurobiological workings behind this prevalent mental health condition in the elderly.
• Disaster mental health -- Ongoing research into the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues that can result from catastrophes such as natural disasters and terrorist attacks has yielded the Disaster Mental Health Web and Reference Guide, a resource for primary care and mental health providers. The guide addresses conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, stress associated with relocation, depression, and substance abuse, as well as suicide prevention
• Geriatric psychiatry -- A component of Duke’s Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, the Cognitive Psychology Laboratory examines the changes in perception, attention, and memory associated with human aging.
• Nicotine addiction -- The Duke Center for Nicotine and Smoking Cessation Research examines the biology behind nicotine addiction, develops and evaluates new therapies for smoking cessation, and investigates new uses for existing smoking-cessation treatments.
• Psychocardiology -- In an effort to reduce the negative impact that mental illness can have on patients with heart disease, the Wei Jang Research Group studies the relationship between the mind and the cardiovascular system.
• Schizophrenia -- In partnership with scientists from the Singapore Institute of Mental Health, the Duke Schizophrenia Research Group strives to unlock the causes and treatments of this severe mental illness.
• Epidemiology and Mental Health Services Research -- In an effort to study how mental health services can be most effective, the Duke Services Effectiveness Research Program studies the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and their effective treatment.

Opportunities for Research Participation

Please note that this is only a small sampling of our research initiatives. Many of our clinical programs also conduct ongoing mental health research trials that may be accessible to eligible and interested patients and families. Speak with your Duke mental health practitioner to find out if there are any current clinical trials of your particular issue.