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 -- Researchers across the department are working to better understand and treat depression and other mood disorders, and are exploring new technologies to help patients with mental illnesses.
• Geriatric psychiatry -- In conjunction with Duke’s Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, our researchers examine the changes in perception, attention, and memory associated with human aging.
• Nicotine addiction -- The Duke Center for Smoking Cessation 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 our researchers study 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. 
• Sleep disorders – The Duke Insomnia and Sleep Research Program is carrying out research to better understand the functions of normal sleep and to develop better treatments for sleep disorders.
• 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.