By Melissa Bachman
[Fall 2007; Vol. 34, No. 1; Pg 7]
The
Maryland Psychiatric Research Center’s Outpatient Research Program (ORP) is
accepting referrals for patients between the ages of 18 and 45 who suffer from
schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Because all clinic patients are
expected to participate in research studies, they must be able to give informed
consent. They also
must not have any major medical problems.
The
Maryland Psychiatric Research Center (MPRC) was established in 1977 as a joint
program of the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and the
University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) School of Medicine. The mission of the
MPRC is to study the manifestations, causes, and treatments of schizophrenia.
The MPRC does this through four separate but interdependent programs, which
include the Outpatient Research Program (ORP), the Treatment Research Program (TRP),
the Neuroscience Program, and the Schizophrenia Related Disorders Program (SRD).
The
ORP is a combined treatment and research facility providing comprehensive
clinical care integrated with research protocols. The ORP is licensed by the
state of Maryland as an Outpatient Mental Health Center (OMHC) and is evaluated
regularly by the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene.
New
pharmacological approaches are being studied to target specific symptom
clusters. These medications are usually added to a stable medication regimen and
are designed to offer the greatest possible benefit with minimal disruption of
current treatment. Current symptom clusters being targeted include: positive
symptoms - hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorder; negative symptoms -
lack of motivation, social withdrawal, and decrease in emotional expression; and
cognitive deficits - problems of attention, memory, and problem solving.
Patients
of the ORP are cared for in a clinical program that is personal and
individualized. A psychiatrist and a masters level therapist see each patient
weekly. Treatment focuses on improving social and occupational functioning,
reducing symptoms, increasing autonomy, and preventing hospitalization. Patients
first receive an in-depth evaluation to clarify diagnosis and assess decisional
capacity. Treatment programs include a physical examination, weekly group
therapy, social skills training, smoking cessation, weight reduction,
pharmacological treatment, weekly dispensing of medications, 24-hour emergency
on-call service, transportation if needed, and family education and support
groups.
To
make a referral or to get more information about our program, please contact:
Melissa
Bachman
Research Coordinator
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Maryland Psychiatric Research Center,
Outpatient Research Program
410-402-6042