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Interventional psychiatry is a major focus for many Pitt Psychiatry clinical and research faculty members. In the clinical environment, interventional psychiatry entails the development and implementation of novel psychiatric treatments using devices and innovative pharmacology, alone or with cognitive or behavioral treatment strategies. In interventional psychiatry research, investigators marry technology development with new knowledge of alterations in neural circuitry in psychiatric disorders.

Earlier this month, Pitt Psychiatry hosted the Department’s first Interventional Psychiatry Showcase, highlighting cutting-edge research and novel interventions with a focus on how non-invasive brain stimulation is used to increase our understanding of and effectively treat a range of psychiatric disorders. 

The Showcase, attended by faculty, staff, and trainees, began with discussion groups hosted by faculty members:

Following an introduction from Department Chair David Lewis, MD, faculty members delivered engaging presentations—followed by discussion facilitated by Helmet Karim, PhD (Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Bioengineering)—on clinical and research topics related to interventional psychiatry:

Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation via Induced Electric Fields, an Introduction to the Biophysics and Neurophysiology of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) - Brian Coffman, PhD (Assistant Professor of Psychiatry)

Theta Burst Stimulation to Frontostriatal Reward Circuitry in Young Adults with Depression – Erika Forbes, PhD (Professor of Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Psychology and Clinical and Translational Science)

Targeting Reward Circuitry with TBS in Bipolar Disorder: Toward a Novel Intervention for Mania – Mary Phillips, MD, MD (Cantab) (Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry, Clinical and Translational Science, and Bioengineering, and Pittsburgh Foundation-Emmerling Endowed Chair in Psychotic Disorders)

iTBS and the Schizophrenia Spectrum: Existing Evidence and Ongoing Research – Deepak Sarpal, MD (Associate Professor of Psychiatry)

TMS-assessed and TMS-modulated Prefrontal Oscillatory Abnormalities in Schizophrenia Patients – Fabio Ferrarelli, MD, PhD (Associate Professor of Psychiatry)

Experimental Manipulation of the Orbitofrontal Cortex Impacts Short-term Markers of Human Compulsive Behavior: Developing a Synergistic Biobehavioral Approach – Rebecca Price, PhD (Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology)

 

Congratulations to those who presented and thank you to all who attended!