current clinical research opportunities - University of Iowa Hospitals ...

RESEARCH IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY
DECEMBER 2012
TITLE: MARIJUANA USE AND SCHIZOPHRENIA
PI: Dan O’Leary, PhD
DESCRIPTION: The primary goal of this study is to learn more about the manner in which smoking marijuana
changes mental activities and blood flow in the brain. We are seeking individuals between the ages of 19 and
55 who have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Participants must use marijuana
regularly (at least 4 times a month for at least 1 year). Volunteers also must be willing to undergo a P.E.T.
Imaging and MRI scan. Study will last approximately 3 visits totalling 7-8 hours. Compensation is available.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Rose Nguyen / 319-384-9302, rosalind-nguyen@uiowa.edu
TITLE: BRAIN DEVELOPMENT IN ADOLESCENTS WITH GENETIC RISK FACTORS FOR
ALCOHOLISM
PI: Dan O’Leary, PhD
DESCRIPTION: This research examines the effects of genetic vulnerability to alcoholism on the developing
adolescent brain, using cognitive assessments and functional and structural brain imaging. Seeks individuals
between the ages of 13 and 18 who have a biological parent(s) with significant alcohol use problems and
control subjects without parental alcohol use problems. Participants may have a co-morbid diagnosis of an
externalizing disorder or symptoms of CD, ADHD, and ODD, but no other Axis 1 Diagnosis and no history of
problematic alcohol or other drug use. The study includes an MRI scan that lasts approximately 2 hours as well
as cognitive testing and personality assesment totalling about 6 hours. Compensation is available.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Lindsey Fuhrmeister / 319-384-6884, lindsey-fuhrmeister@uiowa.edu
TITLE: MIGRAINES AND EMOTIONS RESEARCH STUDY
PI: Lilian Dindo, PhD
DESCRIPTION: Adults ages 18 to 75 with Migraines are invited to participate in a University of Iowa research
study to learn if a skills workshop can lead to improvements in headache and quality of life. Compensation
available. You may also look at the online survey at https://survey.uiowa.edu/wsb.dll/1122/migrainesurvey.htm
to see if you are eligible to be in this study.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Lilian Dindo / 319-353-4444, lilian-dindo@uiowa.edu
TITLE: ANTIPSYCHOTICS AND BLOOD VESSEL FUNCTION
PI: Jess Fiedorowicz, MD, MS, PhD
DESCRIPTION: The primary goal of this study is to identify early signs of endothelial dysfunction and vascular
disease in individuals treated with antipsychotic medications. The study is not a clinical trial and participation
will not interfere with ongoing treatment. We are seeking individuals between the ages of 18 and 50, recently
prescribed an antipsychotic medication. First visit must take place prior to, or within 96 hours of initial dose.
Study duration is 6 months with a total of 4 visits. Compensation is available.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Lois Warren / 319-384-9379, lois-warren@uiowa.edu

TITLE: ALZHEIMERS DISEASE NEUROIMAGING INITIATIVE - 2
PI: Susan Schultz, MD
DESCRIPTION: Participants are invited to participate in a longitudinal study of brain changes in older adults.
Participants include both male or female subjects from the ages of 55 to 90 years who are willing to participate
in tests including brain imaging, blood sampling, spinal fluid testing, and memory testing over a 4 ½ year
follow-up period. Qualified participants include four groups: healthy older adults with no memory problems,
persons with mild memory problems, persons with moderate memory problems, and those with early
Alzheimer’s disease. The study is conducted in cooperation with the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging
Initiative supported by the National Institute of Health and the Alzheimer’s Association.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Karen Ekstam Smith / 319-353-5158
TITLE: MOOD AND AFFECT REGISTRY
PI: Jess Fiedorowicz, MD, PhD
DESCRIPTION: Research Registry for adults with a diagnosed affective disorder. The purpose of this registry
is to obtain the permission of interested individuals with affective (mood) disorders to be contacted in order to
ascertain their interest in participating in future research studies for which they may be eligible.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Lois Warren / 319-384-9379, lois-warren@uiowa.edu
TITLE: PREDICTING CARDIOVASCULAR RISK WITH ANTIPSYCHOTICS
PI: Jess Fiedorowicz, MD, PhD
DESCRIPTION: The objective of this study is to explore cross-sectional associations of candidate
pharmacogenetic polymorphisms with metabolic complications on the first-line, second-generation
antipsychotics associated with weight gain. We are seeking participants between the ages of 18 and 50 who
have been taking risperidone, olanzapine, or quetiapine) for more than 1 year. This study requires one 4 hour
visit. Compensation is provided
CONTACT INFORMATION: Lois Warren / 319-384-9379, lois-warren@uiowa.edu
TITLE: ANOREXIA NERVOSA: REGIONAL BRAIN ABNORMALITIES AND RELATIONSHIP
TO OUTCOME
PI: Laurie McCormick, MD
DESCRIPTION: This is longitudinal study recruiting female patients admitted to the eating disorder unit with
severe anorexia nervosa (ages 18-40) as well as healthy control females (ages 18-40). This study involves
structural and functional neuroimaging of the brain with magnetic resonance imaging, cognitive testing,
computer tasks, and an optional electroencephalography scan and blood draw for genetics at 3 separate time
points over the course of a year. Compensation is available.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Michael Brumm / 319-384-9391, michael-brumm@uiowa.edu
TITLE: RECLAIM DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION (DBS) THERAPY FOR OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE
DISORDER (OCD)

PI: Laurie McCormick, MD
DESCRIPTION: Patients with severe treatment resistant OCD may be referred to the ECT clinic for an
evaluation to obtain DBS for OCD. The Medtronic Reclaim DBS for OCD system has been FDA approved and
is currently available at the University of Iowa under a humanitarian device exemption. The DBS system
delivers electrical stimulation to areas in the brain (bilateral anterior limb of the corpus callosum) to help control
symptoms of treatment resistant OCD.
CONTACT: Laurie McCormick 384-7136, (laurie-mccormick@uiowa.edu) / Cathy Sexton, 319-356-8867
TITLE: KETAMINE AUGMENTATION OF ECT FOR PATIENTS WITH DEPRESSION
PI: Laurie McCormick, MD
DESCRIPTION: This is a randomized controlled trial of ketamine versus anesthesia as usual during ECT
procedures in unipolar or bipolar depressed patients (male or female, ages 26-60) being treated with ECT. This
study involves neuropsychological testing before and after the 6th (or final) ECT treatment along with clinical
assessments of depressive symptoms before, after the 6th ECT and within a week of completing a series of
ECT.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Jim Beeghly / 319-353-6614, james-beeghly@uiowa.edu
TITLE: PHASE III STUDY OF AN ADJUNCTIVE MEDICATION FOR PATIENTS WITH
SCHIZOPHRENIA WITH PERSISTENT, PREDOMINANT NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS
PI: Del Miller, MD, Pharm D
DESCRIPTION: A Phase III, multi-center, randomized, 24 week, double-blind, parallel-group, placebocontrolled
study to evaluate efficacy and safety of RO4917838 in stable patients with persistent, predominant
negative symptoms of schizophrenia treated with antipsychotics followed by a 28 week, double-blind treatment
period. Compensation is available.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Jane Kerr jane-kerr@uiowa.edu 319-353-4955 or Tim Holman timothyholman@uiowa.edu
319-335-6769
TITLE: PHASE III STUDY OF AN ADJUNCTIVE MEDICATION FOR PATIENTS WITH
SCHIZOPHRENIA WITH SUB-OPTIMALLY CONTROLLED SYMPTOMS
PI: Del Miller, MD, Pharm D
DESCRIPTION: DESCRIPTION: A Phase III, multi-center, randomized, 12 week, double-blind, parallelgroup,
placebo-controlled study to evaluate efficacy and safety of RO4917838 in patients with sub-optimally
controlled symptoms of schizophrenia treated with antipsychotics followed by a 40 week, double-blind, parallelgroup,
placebo-controlled treatment group. Compensation is available.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Jane Kerr jane-kerr@uiowa.edu 319-353-4955 or Tim Holman timothyholman@uiowa.edu
319-335-6769
TITLE: FOLLOW UP STUDY OF ADDICTIONS AND CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS IN
OLDER ADULTS
PI: Donald W. Black, MD

DESCRIPTION: This is a longitudinal study of older adults with pathological gambling, younger persons with
PG and normal control elders. It involves a baseline visit and telephone visits every 6 months through the end
of the study. We are seeking elders with PG ≥ 60, persons under 40 with PG, and elders without PG ≥ 60.
Compensation is available.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Martha Shaw / 319-353-3904
TITLE: PLACEBO CONTROLLED TRIAL OF SERTRALINE AND INTERPERSONAL
PSYCHOTHERAPY (IPT) FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION (PPD)
PI: Scott Stuart, MD
DESCRIPTION: The overall aim of this project is to determine the most efficacious treatment for women with
PPD. We plan to conduct a randomized clinical trial with 300 outpatients diagnosed with PPD. Women are
assigned to one of three groups (IPT, Sertraline and Mothercrafting, placebo and Mothercrafting) for 12 weeks
of treatment at no cost. Treatment providers are available in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and the
Quad Cities. Compensation is provided for completing interviews and questionnaires. The study is also being
conducted at Brown University.
CONTACT: Scott Stuart 353-4230, (scott-stuart@uiowa.edu) / Sarah Mott, 319-335-0307
TITLE: CYTOKINES, PUFA TISSUE CONCENTRATIONS AND TREATMENT SELECTION IN
ANTENATAL MDD
PI: William Coryell, MD
DESCRIPTION: Two specific aims to this project; Aim 1: To learn more about the potential benefits of omega-3
fatty acid supplementation for women experiencing emotional difficulties during pregnancy, as past studies
have described significant benefits, including potential antidepressant effects. We plan to conduct an open trial
with 60 pregnant women that meet diagnostic criteria for MDD. Participants will receive omega-3 (fish oil)
supplements free of charge, and will be asked to provide blood samples and attend monthly follow-up visits to
monitor their mood. Aim 2: To provide information about who may benefit most from supplementation. For this
aim, we will recruit 120 pregnant women that have been treated for depression in the past 2 years, but do not
currently meet diagnostic criteria for a major depressive episode. Participants in this aim will be asked to
provide a blood sample and complete 3 follow-up assessments.
CONTACT: William Coryell 353-4434, (william-coryell@uiowa.edu) / Whitney Lester, 319-335-2464
TITLE: POSTNATAL YOGA FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH
PI: Melissa Buttner
DESCRIPTION: This study examines the role of yoga as an alternative treatment for improving women’s
health in the postpartum period. Depressed postpartum women will be recruited from the University of Iowa
Hospital and Clinics and the local Iowa community to participate in a randomized controlled trial examining the
effects of an 8-week postnatal yoga program on reducing symptoms of depression from pre- to post-treatment,
relative to a wait-list control condition. Secondary aims include the effects of yoga on reducing symptoms of
anxiety, and improving health-related quality of life and social functioning at post-intervention, relative to the
wait-list control condition. The results of this study will contribute to the increasing empirical base for yoga’s
therapeutic benefits, as well as to the literature on complementary and alternative medicine treatment options
for postpartum depression.

CONTACT: Melissa Buttner 335-0308, (melissa-buttner@uiowa.edu) / Sarah Mott, 319-335-0308
TITLE: EFFECTS OF PALIPERIDONE PALMITATE vs. Oral ANTIPSYCHOTICS ON
CLINICAL OUTCOMES AND sMRI MEASURES IN FIRST EPISODE PATIENTS; A
RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL
PI: Beng Ho, MD
DESCRIPTION: This is a 1 year treatment study comparing outcomes in patients with schizophrenia treated
with long acting injectable antipsychotics vs oral antipsychotics. Patients age 18-40 with psychotic symptoms
for less than 5 years are randomized to either treatment arm (50/50). Subjects will have MRI scans at intake, 6
months and 1 year. Neuropsych assessments at 4 time points. There are a total of 13 visits over a year.
Compensation provided.
CONTACT: Frank Fleming 356-1749, frank-fleming@uiowa.edu
TITLE: BRAIN IMAGING IN THE MAJOR PSYCHOSES
PI: Nancy Andreasen, MD, PhD
DESCRIPTION: This is a 3 year longitudinal imagining study of schizophrenia spectrum disorders with an
emphasis on first episode patients. Patients will have MRI scans and symptom ratings at intake, 18 and 36
months. Neuropsych assessments will be completed at intake and 3 years. Compensation provided.
CONTACT: Frank Fleming 356-1749, frank-fleming@uiowa.edu
TITLE: PHARMACOGENETICS OF MOOD STABILIZER RESPONSE IN BIPOLAR
DISORDER
PI: William Coryell, MD
DESCRIPTION: This is a multi-center study that aims to conduct a genome-wide association analysis of
lithium response in bipolar disorder. We are recruiting individuals 18 and older with bipolar I disorder who are
on lithium monotherapy or who would like to be. Participants are to be followed for up to two years or until
relapse.
CONTACT: Bruce Tarwater 353-5684, bruce-tarwater@uiowa.edu
TITLE: GENETIC PREDICTORS OF LONG-TERM COURSE AND OUTCOME IN
SCHIZOPHRENIA
PI: Nancy C. Andreasen, MD
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this study is to identify genetic and treatment factors that influence the course
and outcome of schizophrenia. This is accomplished by genotyping variants of interest in a large, prospectively
gathered longitudinal sample of individuals with schizophrenia in whom we have already identified biological
markers of disease progression. Compensation is provided.
CONTACT: Frank Fleming 356-4719, frank-fleming@uiowa.edu

TITLE: THE IOWA STUDY OF CREATIVE GENIUS
PI: Nancy C. Andreasen, MD
DESCRIPTION: This is a study of the psychological and neural basis of the creative process in a diverse
group of “creative geniuses.” The definition of creativity is operational. That is, creative genius is defined as
the ability to produce something that is highly original. Thirty highly creative subjects are being studied, half
from the arts and half from the sciences, as well as 30 controls matched for age, education and gender. They
are assessed via structured interview, neuroimaging, and cognitive and personality testing.
CONTACT: Dave Elleson 353-6257, dave-elleson@uiowa.edu
TITLE: PREDICT-HD
PI: Jane Paulsen, PhD
DESCRIPTION: PREDICT-HD uses a variety of tests to examine the nature and pattern of neurobiological
changes and neurobehavioral changes that occur in the period leading up to a diagnosis of Huntington
disease. The study also seeks to learn more about the beginning changes in thinking skills, emotional
regulation, brain structure, and brain function as a person begins the transition from health to Huntington
disease. Individuals 18 years of age or older at risk for Huntington disease who have tested positive for the
Huntington disease gene mutation, and who have not been diagnosed with symptoms of Huntington disease
may participate in this study. Study visits occur annually. Compensation and travel reimbursement is available.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Stephen Cross / 319-384-1008, stephen-cross@uiowa.edu
TITLE: CREST-E
PI: Eric Epping, MD, PhD
DESCRIPTION: This is a randomized, double-blind Phase 3 trial of high-dose creatine in participants with
early (mild to moderate) Huntington disease (HD). The purpose of CREST-E is to test whether high-dose
creatine can slow the progressive functional decline that occurs in persons 18 years or older with early clinical
features of HD over 3 years. The long-term safety, tolerability and effectiveness are also studied. This study
involves visits and phone calls to evaluate general health, movement and mood throughout the study.
Compensation is available.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Jacky Walker / 319-353-4537 jacky-walker@uiowa.edu
TITLE: ENHANCING OVERALL HEALTH AND LIFE SATISFACTION IN PRIMARY CARE
PATIENTS
PI: Lilian Dindo, PhD, Jess Fiedorowicz, MD, PhD
DESCRIPTION: Adults ages 18 to 75 who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood glucose,
diabetes mellitus, or excess weight that increases risk for cardiovascular disease and are experiencing distress
are invited to participate in a University of Iowa research study to learn if a 1-day skills workshop can lead to
improvements in health management, distress, and quality of life. Compensation available. To see if you are
eligible, you may complete an online survey at http://goo.gl/dFBJF or you may call 319-384-2845.
CONTACT INFORMATION: 319-384-2845