Cognitive deficits, among the most debilitating clinical features of schizophrenia, might reflect, at least in part, circuit dysfunction in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. In schizophrenia, layer 3 pyramidal neurons of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex exhibit deficits in markers of excitatory synaptic inputs that are thought to disrupt the patterns of neural network activity essential for cognitive function...

We are delighted to announce that Marianne Seney, PhD, has been promoted to Associate Professor of Psychiatry by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Seney earned her PhD in neuroscience and behavior from the University of Massachusetts, then joined the University of Pittsburgh for postdoctoral research training in psychiatry/translational neuroscience and the neurobiology of neurodegenerative...

We are thrilled to congratulate Carol Walker Hundiak (Administrative Coordinator), who has received a 2022 UPMC Award for Commitment to Excellence in Service (ACES) for her outstanding work in the Department of Psychiatry’s Youth and Family Research Program (YFRP). The prestigious ACES award, received by fewer than 1% of UPMC staff annually, honors individuals who regularly go above and beyond. Carol’s ACES...

Abnormal sleep is frequent in psychosis. Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, are commonly reported by individuals with chronic psychosis, and are associated with subsequent relapse. In early psychosis, altered sleep often precedes a psychotic episode, and in youth at clinical high risk, disrupted sleep contributes to predicting transition to psychosis. However, sleep abnormalities in different stages (i.e...

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) and cardiovascular disease are major women's health issues, and among the leading causes of death in women. Midlife—here defined as the ages of 40 up to 65 years old—is of particular importance for women's brain and cardiovascular health. The neuropathological hallmarks of dementia due to ADRD, including amyloid beta and hyperphosphorylated tau, begin to accumulate...

We are delighted to announce that Tharick Pascoal, MD, PhD, has been promoted to Associate Professor of Psychiatry by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Pascoal received his MD from Federal University of Pelotas in Brazil. He completed his residency training in neurology at Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul. Dr. Pascoal then went to McGill University for a fellowship in...

On March 23, 2023, Pitt Psychiatry clinician-educator faculty and UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital (WPH) clinical staff, residents and fellows gathered in the WPH auditorium for the annual Clinician-Educator Showcase, with additional participants attending the plenary session virtually. The Clinician-Educator Showcase is an annual opportunity for clinician-educators to learn about promising clinical innovations...

It is with great sadness, and with deep and enduring fondness and respect, that we report the passing of our friend and colleague, Martica “Tica” Hall, PhD (Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Clinical and Translational Science) on March 18, 2023. Dr. Hall joined the Department of Psychiatry faculty in 1998, having earned her PhD in biopsychology from the University of Pittsburgh, and having completed...

The Department of Psychiatry is delighted to announce results of the 2023 Residency Match for the General Psychiatry, Child, Triple Board, and Family Medicine/Psychiatry tracks. Please welcome the new class of 2023 PGY1 psychiatry residents: GENERAL PSYCHIATRY • Mckenzee Chiam (Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine) • Stefan Edemobi (Eastern Virginia Medical School) • Sydney Garrett (McGovern Medical...

Binge eating is a repetitive eating behavior frequently observed in individuals with eating disorder diagnoses, but its underlying neural mechanisms remain largely unknown. Other repetitive behavior disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, are associated with corticostriatal circuitry dysfunction. However, to date, scientists working in the field of eating disorders have not investigated the in vivo neural...