VISN 19 MIRECC Research Staff

VISN 19 MIRECC Researchers, Clinicians and Staff

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Lawrence E. Adler MD

Dr. Adler is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado and Chief of the Psychiatry Service at the Denver VAMC. Dr. Adler has served as Chief for over two years; previously he directed the clozapine clinic, the VA Psychiatry Service’s first combined clinical-research service. His work there with Dr. Herbert Nagamoto led to the discovery of the unique effects of clozapine on sensory gating in schizophrenia, described above. He has been a VA Merit Review Investigator for over 10 years and is currently funded by a 5 year NIMH R01 for his work on the mechanism of action of atypical antipsychotic drugs and the role of the 5HT3 receptor. He has been recognized as a NARSAD Distinguished Investigator, and his work on pre and post-deployment stress responses is funded by the Department of Defense. He is a former Associate Editor of Psychophysiology and has served as a regular member of the NIH Psychopathology IRG. He is a Veteran of the Gulf War (Major, U.S. Army Reserves). His trainees include Josette Harris, Ph.D., whom he sponsored as an NIMH Hispanic Minority Trainee. Under his guidance, she achieved independent NIMH R01 funding and is now Associate Professor of Psychiatry and a MIRECC clinical investigator. Dr. Adler has experience in the combat theater that enables him to communicate well with combat Veterans.

Selected publications:
  · Adler LE, Cawthra M, McRae K, Harris J, Nagamoto H, Waldo MC, Olincy A . Ondansetron Improves P50 Auditory Gating in Medicated Schizophrenic Patients, accepted with revisions, 2004.
  · Adler LE, Olincy A, Cawthra, E, McRae K, Harris J, Nagamoto H, Waldo MC, Hall M, Ross R, Freedman R: The Varied Effects of Atypical Medications on P50 Auditory Gating in Schizophrenic Patients. American Journal Psychiatry, 2004.
  · Ross RG, Novins D, Farley GK, Adler L. A one-year open-label trial of olanzapine in school-age children with schizophrenia. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology (in press), 2003.
List of Adler, LE from PubMed

Location: Denver

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Pamela Bennett PhD

Title:MIRECC Investigator/Research Assistant Professor

Contact Information:
A116
George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center
500 Foothill Blvd
Salt Lake City, UT 84148
(801) 582-1565 ext. 2759

Education:
Texas A&M University; PhD (1989-1994) Myriad Genetics; Post-doctoral training (1994-1996)

Research Projects:
DNA Risk Factors in Youth Suicide, Genetic Risk Factors in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Alcoholism, Suicidality in Veterans, Incidence of Chronic Pain in Suicide Completion in the Veteran Population

Selected Publications:
  · Bennett, P., H. Coon, M. Hoff, J. Rosenthal and W. Byerley. 1997. Results of mutation screening of a candidate gene on chromosome 3p. Neuropsychiatric Genet. 74(6):662.,
  · Coon, H., M. Myles-Worsley, J. Tiobech, M. Hoff, J. Rosenthal, P. Bennett, F. Reimherr, P. Wender, P. Dale, A. Polloi and W. Byerley. 1997. Evidence for a chromosome 2p locus predisposing to schizophrenia in Palau, Micronesia. Molecular Psychiatry 3(6):521. Abstract
  · Bennett, P., H. Coon, R.H. Lenox, M. Hoff, J. Rosenthal and W. Byerley. 1999. Tests for linkage to MDI with a new trinucleotide repeat polymorphism in the 80K-H gene on chromosome 19. Psychiatric Genetics Mar;9(1):39.
  · Myles-Worsley, M., H. Coon, J. McDowell, C. Brenner, M. Hoff, J. Holik, B. Lind, J. Rosenthal, P. Bennett, R. Freedman, B. Clementz, and W. Byerley. 1999. Linkage of a composite inhibitory phenotype to a chromosome 22q locus in eight Utah families. American Journal of Medical Genetics. 15:88(5):544. Abstract
  · Bennett, P., J. Watabe, J. Achilles, M. Bacon, H. Coon, D. Gray, T. Grey, T. Keller, D. Tate, J. Workman, W. McMahon. 2000. Tryptophan hydroxylase polymorphisms in suicide victims. Psychiatric Genetics. 10(1):13-17. Abstract
  · Bennett, P., M. Hoff, J Rosenthal, M. Zhao, H. Coon, M Myles-Worsley, W. Byerley. 2000. Mutation screening of a neutral amino acid transporter, ASCT1, and its potential role in schizophrenia. Psychiatric Genetics. 10(2):79. Abstract
  · Devlin, B., P. Bennett, E.H. Cook, G. Dawson, D. Gonen, E.L. Grigorenko, W. McMahon, D. Pauls, M. Smith, M.A. Smith, the CPEA Genetics Network, GD Schellenberg. 2002. No evidence for linkage of liability to autism to HOXA1 in a sample from the CPEA network. American Journal Medical Genetics. 114(6):667-672.
  · Devlin B, Bennett P, Dawson G, Figlewicz DA, Grigorenko EL, McMahon W, Minshew N, Pauls D, Smith M, Spence MA, Rodier PM, Stodgell C, The CPEA Genetics Network, Schellenberg GD. 2004. Alleles of a Reelin CGG Repeat do not Convey Liability to Autism in a Sample From the CPEA Network. American Journal of Medical Genetics 126B:46-50.
  · Callor B, E. Petersen, D. Gray, T. Grey, T. Lamoreaux, PJ. Bennett. 2005. Preliminary Findings of Non-compliance with Psychotropic Medication and Prevalence of Methamphetamine Intoxication Associated with Suicide Completion. Crisis 26:78-84.
  · Marchand W, PJ Bennett, V. Dilda. 2005. Evidence for Frontal-Subcortical Circuit Abnormalities in Bipolar Affective Disorder. Psychiatry 2005.
  · PJ Bennett, J Caldwell, WB Callor, M. Cotton-Betteridge, B. Froelich, D Gray, T Grey, E Petersen, WM McMahon. 2007. The Short Variant of 5-HTTLPR is Associated with Suicide in a Caucasian Population. Accepted with minor revisions, Psychiatric Genetics
  · Hedges DW, Thatcher GW, Bennett PJ, Sood S, Poulson D, Creem-Regehr S, Brown BL, Allen S, Johnson J, Froelich B, Bigler ED. 2007. Measures of Brain Integrity and Ventricular-to-Brain Ratio Findings in Vietnam Combat Veterans with and without Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Accepted, Neurocase.

Selected Grants: Suicide and Suicidality in Veterans (MIRECC)
The goal of this study includes research, education and clinical care of veterans at risk for suicide. Dr. Bennett is receiving salary support to study genes associated with suicidality. Co-Investigator

Location: Salt Lake City

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Lisa M. Betthauser, Research Assistant

Lisa graduated with her Master's of Business Administration in Health Administration in 2006 and began working as a research assistant at the MIRECC shortly thereafter. She has interest in stress, personality and human performance as well as assisting in research projects related to suicide, posttraumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury. She earned her B.A. in psychology, emphasis in neuroscience, and has professional background working with clinical neuropsychologists and mental health centers along the Front Range.

Education:
B.A.: University of Colorado, Boulder (2000-2003)
M.B.A.: University of Colorado, Denver (2005-2006)

Location:Denver

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Lisa Brenner, Ph.D., ABPP

Lisa Brenner, Ph.D., ABPP, is a Board Certified Rehabilitation Psychologist, VISN 19 MIRECC Director of Education, and Director of Psychology Training for the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) and VISN 19 MIRECC. She is also affiliated with the Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Colorado Denver, School of Medicine. Dr. Brenner is actively involved with multiple research projects regarding traumatic brain injury (TBI) and/or suicidality. Her areas of research interest are TBI and psychiatric sequelae and outcomes (e.g., post traumatic stress disorder, suicidality). Between 2000 and 2006, she was the Director of the ECHCS Traumatic Brain Injury Interdisciplinary Team. Dr. Brenner is a member of the Colorado Brain Injury Advisory Board, and has consulted with the Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health and Housing, TBI Program, regarding a program aimed identifying and treating community mental health consumers with TBI

Selected publications:
  · Brenner, L.A. (2008, invited and submitted). Suicide Risk Assessment after Traumatic Brain Injury: Application of a Novel Theoretical Model. Brain Injury Professional.
  · Brenner, L.A, Dise-Lewis, J., Bartles, S., Selinger, M., Obrien, S.E., and Godleski, M. The Long Term Impact of Pediatric Brain Injury: An Adult Case Study. (2007). Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 22(1), 56-64. Abstract
  · Brenner, L.A., Homaifar, B.Y., Schultheis, M. (2008, Accepted for publication). Driving, Aging and Traumatic Brain Injury: Integrating Findings from the Literature. Rehabilitation Psychology
  · Homaifar, B. Y., Brenner, L. A., Gutierrez, P. M., Harwood, J. E. F., Thompson, C., Filley, C. M., Kelly, J. P., & Adler, L. E. (2007, June). Aging with traumatic brain injury: An analysis of Beck Depression Inventory-II scores [Abstract]. Proceedings of The American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology.
  · Thompson, C., Gutierrez, Brenner, L. A., Homaifar, B. Y., & Harwood, J. E. F. (2007, June). Veterans with traumatic brain injury: Preliminary norms for the Personality Assessment Inventory [Abstract]. Proceedings of The American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology.
Publications listed for Brenner LA in PubMed

Location: Denver

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Kristin Brousseau, D.O.

Title: Psychiatry fellow, VISN 19 MIRECC at the Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Instructor, Department of Psychiatry and Division of Infectious Diseases, University Of Colorado Denver School Of Medicine

Contact Information:
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
MIRECC VISN 19
1055 Clermont Street
Denver, Colorado 80220
Phone (303-399-8020 x5642)
Fax (303-370-7519)

Education: Dr. Brousseau completed psychiatry residency and a neuropsychiatry fellowship at the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, is board certified in general adult psychiatry, and board eligible in behavioral neurology and neuropsychiatry.

Research Projects:

"HIV Neurocognitive Impairment (HNCI): Improving Detection of HNCI with Cognitive Screening"

"A Longitudinal Study of Cerebral and Neurocognitive Function in HIV-Infected Persons with a History of Advanced Disease on HAART"

"The Effects of Donepezil and Cognitive Stimulation in Veterans with Comorbid Mild to Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder"

Selected Publications:
  · Brousseau KM, Arciniegas DB, Carmosino MJ, Corboy JR. The differential diagnosis of Axis I psychopathology presenting to a university-based multiple sclerosis clinic. Mult Scler. 2007 Jul; 13(6):749-753. Abstract
  · Letter to the Editor: Brousseau KM. In response to Treatment for Adult HIV Infection: 2006 Recommendations of the International AIDS Society-USA Panel 296(7);827-843. Journal of the American Medical Association 297(2); 157-158.
  · Brousseau KM, Arciniegas DB, Harris SN. Pharmacologic management of anxiety and affective lability during recovery from Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 1(2):145-149, 2005.
  · Carmosino MJ, Brousseau K, Arciniegas DB, Corboy JR. Initial evaluations for MS in a university MS center: Outcomes and role of MRI in referral. Archives of Neurology 62:585-590, 2005. Abstract
  · Arciniegas DB, Frey KL, Anderson CA, Brousseau KM, Harris SN. Amantadine for Neurobehavioral Deficits following Delayed Post-Hypoxic Encephalopathy. Brain Injury 18(12):1309-1318, 2004. Abstract
  · Arciniegas DB, Harris SN, Brousseau KM. Psychosis due to TBI. International Review of Psychiatry 15:328-340, 2003. Abstract 

Location: Denver

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Latoya Conner BA 

Title: Program Support Assistant

Latoya Conner is a program support assistant for the MIRECC, involved in daily tasks assisting research and educational program development. Her role centers on assisting planning and development of projects concerning chronic pain, suicide, and seeking innovative approaches for treatments and education. Her administrative duties include researching desired journal articles, filing, and reviewing and composing documents.

Location: Denver

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Robert Freedman MD

Title: Research Director

Dr. Freedman is responsible, with Dr. Adler, for the overall scientific direction of the research in the VISN19 MIRECC. He initially set forth the scientific direction of the Center in my preparation of its Application, which was approved by VACO based upon peer review by the existing MIREEC directors.

Dr. Freedman's role is concentrated on devising new treatment for Veterans who have been identified as suicidal. In addition, Dr. Freedman has worked with MIRECC investigators, both in Denver and in Salt Lake City, who are not Schizophrenia Research Center investigators, to bring his expertise to their research, through critique of their studies and manuscripts. Finally, he has worked with directors of other MIRECCs on the VA's new genomic medicine initiative. Based on his input, the genomic medicine initiative cooperative studies program will now include suicidality as a primary measure.

Selected Publications:
  · Tanabe J, Crowley T, Hutchison K, Miller D, Johnson G, Du YP, Zerbe G, Freedman R. (2008). Ventral Striatal Blood Flow is Altered by Acute Nicotine but Not Withdrawal from Nicotine. Neuropsychopharmacology. 627-33. Epub 2007 Apr 25.
  · Martin LF, Hall MH, Ross RG, Zerbe G, Freedman R, Olincy A. (2007). Physiology of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. Am J Psychiatry. Dec;164(12):1900-6.
  · Tregellas JR, Davalos DB, Rojas DC, Waldo MC, Gibson L, Wylie K, Du YP, Freedman R. (2007). Increased hemodynamic response in the hippocampus, thalamus and prefrontal cortex during abnormal sensory gating in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res. 2007 May;92(1-3):262-72. Epub 2007 Mar 2.
  · Olincy A, Harris JG, Johnson LL, Pender V, Kongs S, Allensworth D, Ellis J, Zerbe GO, Leonard S, Stevens KE, Stevens JO, Martin L, Adler LE, Soti F, Kem WR, Freedman R. (2006). Proof-of-concept trial of an alpha7 nicotinic agonist in schizophrenia. Arch Gen Psychiatry. Jun;63(6):630-8.
Publications listed in PubMed

Location: Denver

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Peter M. Gutierrez, Ph.D.

Dr. Gutierrez received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan in 1997. He was a professor of clinical psychology and assistant chair of the Psychology Department at Northern Illinois University for 10 years before joining the VA in 2006. Dr. Gutierrez is President of the American Association of Suicidology. He has published over 40 peer reviewed articles on adolescent suicide risk, assessment of risk and protective factors for suicide, and young adult suicidality. His book on adolescent suicide assessment, co-authored with Augustine Osman, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas San Antonio, was published in January of 2008.

Selected publications:
  · Fliege, H., Kocalevent, R., Walter, O. B., Beck, S., Gratz, K. L., Gutierrez, P. M., & Klapp, B. F. (2006). Three assessment tools for deliberate self-harm and suicide behavior: Evaluation and psychopathological correlates. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 61(1), 113-121. Abstract
  · Gutierrez, P. M., & Osman, A. (2008). Adolescent suicide: An integrated approach to assessment of risk and protective factors. DeKalb, IL: Northern Illinois University Press.
  · Osman, A., Barrios, F. X., Gutierrez, P. M., Williams, J. E., & Bailey, J. (2008). Psychometric properties of the Beck Depression Inventory-II in nonclinical adolescent samples. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 64, 83-102. Abstract
  · Muehlenkamp, J. J., & Gutierrez, P. M. (2007). Risk for suicide attempts among adolescents who engage in non-suicidal self-injury. Archives of Suicide Research, 11(1), 69-82. Abstract

Location: Denver

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Joe Hasley MA, PhD Candidate

Joe Hasley is currently a research assistant for the MIRECC. His interests include statistical analysis, data mining, and vector-borne disease. Joe is currently a student in the Information Systems department at the University of Colorado at Denver. Before coming to the MIRECC, Joe worked as a computer programmer and project manager.

Selected publications:
  · Joseph P. Hasley, M.A., Biswadip Ghosh, Ph.D., Joseph Huggins, M.A., M.S., Missy R. Bell, M.S.H.A., M.B.A., Lawrence E. Adler, M.D., A. Laurie W. Shroyer, Ph.D. A review of "intent" within the existing suicide literature. Submitted Feb. 2008 
  · Ghosh, B., & Hasley, J.P. (2007), "Using Asymmetric Classification Cost Matrices in Predicting Diabetes", Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference on Decision Support Systems, Kolkata, India, January, 2007.
  · Hasley, J.P., & Gregg, D.G. (2008) "Understanding and managing website information content: The WICS method" Currently under review by The Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication
  · Freshmen : Fiction, Fantasy, and Humor (1996) edited by Christine Lord, R. James Stahl My story, "Patella: Alias the Kneecap" is one of 13 short fiction stories included in this anthology that is used as a textbook in High Schools throughout the US and Canada. Read the story  here

Location: Denver

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Beeta Y. Homaifar, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Education:
Bachelor’s Degree, Indiana University (1994-98);
Doctorate, University of Iowa (1999-2005)

Research projects:
Beeta Homaifar is a third year postdoctoral fellow in advanced psychology at the Denver VA Medical Center. Her research and clinical interests are in suicidology and rehabilitation psychology. Currently, she is working on several research projects on suicidal behavior in the population of individuals with traumatic brain injury. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, and she received her B.A. in Economics/Sociology from Indiana University. She has spent the last 4 years working in rural and urban VA Medical Centers.

Selected publications:
  · Homaifar, B. Y., Brenner, L. A., Gutierrez, P. M., Harwood, J. E. F., Thompson, C., Filley, C. M., Kelly, J. P., & Adler, L. E. Aging with traumatic brain injury: An analysis of Beck Depression Inventory-II scores. The Clinical Neuropsychologist. 2007; 21(3) [ABS]
  · Thompson, C., Gutierrez P.M., Brenner, L. A., Homaifar, B. Y., & Harwood, J. E. F. Veterans with traumatic brain injury: Preliminary norms for the Personality Assessment Inventory. The Clinical Neuropsychologist. 2007; 21(3) [ABS]
  · Brenner, L.A., Homaifar, B.Y., & Schultheis, M.T. (2008). Driving, Aging, and Traumatic Brain Injury: Integrating Findings from the Literature. In press.
  · Tang, T.L., Tang, T.L., Homaifar, B.Y. (2006). Income, the love of money, pay comparison and pay satisfaction: Race and gender as moderators. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 21, 476-491.
  · Westefeld, J., Homaifar, B.Y., Spotts, J., Furr, S., Range, L., & Werth, J. (2005). Perceptions regarding college student suicide: Data from four universities. Suicide and Life Threatening Behavior, 35, 640-645. Abstract
  · Altmaier, E.M., Fraley, S.S., Homaifar, B.Y., Maloney, R., Rasheed, S., Rippentrop, A.E. Health counseling: Assessment and intervention. [Chapter] Kopala, Mary (Ed); Keitel, Merle A. (Ed). (2003). Handbook of counseling women. (pp. 323-344). Thousand Oaks, CA, US: Sage Publications, Inc.

Location: Denver

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Joe Huggins MSW, MSCIS

Joe Huggins received his early training as a social worker, working in the far-flung areas of childrens protective service, adult day treatment for chronically mentally ill, adolescent substance abuse and in a hospital/nursing home. This work was completed in urban, rural and the Ute Mountain Ute Indian reservation. He helped found and fund various not for profits/projects including Montezuma County Partners, The Pinon Project, a domestic violence prevention program (men's battering) on the Ute Reservation and a sub-acute wing at the Vista Grande Rehabilitation Center and Nursing Home. Eventually, this work detoured into technology and an on-line Masters in Computer Information Systems. Prompting work at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center as a Senior Instructor. He teaches a course in database design, website development and connecting the two. He also helped start M-cubed: Mentor-Mentee-Matching (http://www.clscmentormatch.com) and The Colorado research Mine.

Selected publications/presentations:
  · Joseph P. Hasley, M.A., Biswadip Ghosh, Ph.D., Joseph Huggins, M.A., M.S., Missy R. Bell, M.S.H.A., M.B.A., Lawrence E. Adler, M.D., A. Laurie W. Shroyer, Ph.D. A review of "intent" within the existing suicide literature. Submitted Feb. 2008   · Poster presentation American Association of Suicidology 2006: Data Integration with VistA Application ("DIVA")
  · Paper presentation at Rural Social Workers Conference, Fort Collins, CO, 1987. "Creating a Domestic Violence Batterers Program on the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation".

Location: Denver

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William R. Marchand, MD

Title: Acting Associate Director for Salt Lake Site of VISN 19 MIRECC

Contact information: william.marchand@va.gov
801-582-1565 x 2762

Education:
Medical school: West Virginia University (1982 - 1986)
Residency: Psychiatry, University of Utah (1986 -1990)

Research projects:
Our research is focused on the brain circuits that connect the cortex, basal ganglia and thalamus. These circuits are believed to be involved in motor, cognitive and emotional processing. Further, there is evidence which suggests that these circuits function abnormally in multiple neuropsychiatric disorders ranging from Parkinson's disease to bipolar disorder. To date, our work has focused on using functional and structural neuroimaging methods to enhance our understanding of how these circuits function in normal individuals as well the potential role of these pathways in the neurobiology of bipolar disorder, panic disorder and traumatic brain injury. This work may help us refine and improve treatments for these disorders that increase the risk of suicide. Further, we hope to use these methodologies to develop biomarkers associated with high suicide risk as well as to guide the development of more effective suicide prevention strategies.

Selected publications:
  · Marchand WR, Bennett PJ, Dilda V (2005) Evidence for Frontal-Subcortical Circuit Abnormalities in Bipolar Affective Disorder. Psychiatry [April]26-33
  · Marchand WR, Dilda V (2005) Neurobiology of Mood Disorders. Hospital Physician 41:17-26.
  · Marchand WR (2006) Suicidality: Review Questions. Hospital Physician 42:31-32.
  · Marchand WR, Dilda V (2006) New models of frontal-subcortical skeletomotor circuit pathology in tardive dyskinesia. The Neuroscientist 12:186-198.
  · Marchand WR, Lee JN, Thatcher GW, Jensen C, Stewart D, Dilda V, Thatcher J, Creem-Regher S. (2007) A functional MRI study of a paced motor activation task to evaluate frontal-subcortical circuit function in bipolar depression. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging 155:221-230.
  · Marchand WR, Lee JN, Thatcher JW, Thatcher GW, Jensen Cody, Starr Jennifer. (2007) A preliminary longitudinal fMRI study of frontal-subcortical circuits in bipolar disorder using a paced motor activation paradigm. Journal of Affective Disorders 103:237-241.
  · Thatcher JW, Marchand WR, Thatcher GW, Jacobs A, Jensen C. (2007) Clinical Characteristics and Health Service Use of Veterans with Comorbid Bipolar Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Psychiatric Services 58:703-707.
  · Marchand WR, Lee JN, Thatcher J, Thatcher GW, Jensen C, Starr J. (2007) An fMRI study of frontal-subcortical skeletomotor circuit and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex function using a paced motor activation paradigm. Brain Imaging and Behavior doi: 10.1007/s11682-007-9006-z
  · Marchand WR, Lee JN, Thatcher, JW, Thatcher GW, Jensen C, Starr J. (2007) Motor deactivation in the human cortex and basal ganglia. NeuroImage 38:538-548.
  · Marchand WR, Thatcher GW. (in press) Psychopharmacologic Management of Depression in Pregnant Women and Breastfeeding Mothers. Hospital Physician
Publications on PubMed

Selected grants:
  · University of Utah Synergy Grant, 2006-2007, $100,000.00 (Co-PI) Functional MRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Brain Frontal-Subcortical Circuits in Panic Disorder.
  · VASLCHCS WIBR Grant, 2006-2008, $30,000.00 (PI) Functional MRI of Brain Frontal-Subcortical Circuits in Bipolar Depression.

Location: Salt Lake City

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Jennifer Olson-Madden, PhD. 

Postdoctoral Fellow

Education:
Bachelor's Degree, Cornell College (1996-2000)
Doctorate, University of Denver (2002-2007)

Research Projects:
Jennifer Olson-Madden is a first year postdoctoral fellow in advanced psychology at the Denver VA Medical Center. Her research and clinical interests are in suicidology, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, neuropsychology, and rehabilitation psychology. Currently, she is working on several clinical projects regarding suicidal behavior and psychiatric outcome in individuals with traumatic brain injury. She graduated from the University of Denver with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, and she received her B.A. in Psychology from Cornell College. She has spent the last 3 years working at the Denver VA Medical Center.

Location: Denver

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Gilbert Preston, M.D.

VISN-19 MIRECC Investigator
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah SOM

Contact information:
Tele: 801.582.1565 x2763 Email: gilbert.preston@VA.GOV

Education:
B.S. City University of New York;
MD SUNY Buffalo
Intern Dept of Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University;
Resident, Department of Neurosurgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. Psychiatry Residency, University of Utah, Department of Psychiatry.
Fellowship, Clinical Brain Disorders Branch, Genes, Cognition, and Psychosis program GCAP), NIMH, Bethesda Md.

Research Projects:
Family Association Study of Genetic Susceptibility for Schizophrenia
Development of a neural circuit based treatment model for impaired memory using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).

Selected Publications:
  · Anderson E; Preston G; Silva C; 2007: Towards Development of a Circuit Based Treatment for Impaired Memory: A Multidisciplinary Approach; Proceedings of the 3rd International IEEE-EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering; pp 202-205; SBN 1-4244-0792-3.
  · GA Preston, BK Marchant, F.W. Reimherr MD, RE Strong, DW Hedges: Borderline PersonalityDisorder in Patients with Bipolar Disorder and Response to Lamotrigine; Journal of Affective Disorders, 2004 79, April (1-3) 297-303 Abstract
  · Preston GA, Dold GM, Myers RE: A grip strength testing device for monkeys: Brain Res 1970 Dec 18 24:3 530-3
  · Gilbert Preston, Daniel Weinberger; Intermediate phenotypes in schizophrenia: A Selective Review; Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 2005; 7(2):165-79

Selected Grants:
NARSAD Young investigator award
O.C. Tanner Family Foundation

Location: Salt Lake City

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Morton M. Silverman, M.D.

Education Consultant

Education:
1965-66: Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA
1966-69: The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
B.A. (Psychology) Degree awarded in May 1969
1969-70: Department of Psychology (Graduate Division), Montclair State College, Upper Montclair, NJ (18 credits toward master's degree)
1970-74: Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL
M.D. Degree awarded in May 1974
1974-75: Rotating Medical Internship, Department of Medicine, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, IL
1975-78: Resident in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Chicago Hospital and Clinics, Chicago, IL.
1978-79: Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Fellowship in the Medical Sciences. A program of grants to fifteen private medical schools to assist in providing teaching and research opportunities for a select number of outstanding young faculty.

Research Projects:
A New Nomenclature for Suicidology

Selected Publications:
  · O'Carroll PW, Berman AL, Maris RW, Moscicki EK, Tanney BL, Silverman MM: “Beyond the Tower of Babel: A Nomenclature for Suicidology.” Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior 26(3): 237-52, 1996. (Reprinted in RJ Kosky, HS Eshkevari, RD Goldney, R Hasson (eds). Suicide Prevention - The Global Context. London: Plenum Press, 1998.) Abstract
  · Silverman MM, Meyer PM, Sloane F, Raffel M, Pratt DM: “The Big Ten Student Suicide Study: A 10-Year Study of Suicides on Midwestern University Campuses.” Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior 27(3): 285-303, 1997. Abstract
  · Davidson L, Ross V, Silverman MM: “Background Papers to the National Suicide Prevention Conference: An Overview and Perspective”. Suicide and Life- Threatening Behavior 31(Supplement) 1-5, 2001.
  · Center C, Davis M, Detre T, Ford DE, Hansbrough W, Hendin H, Laszlo J, Litts DA, Mann J, Mansky PA, Michels R, Miles SH, Proujansky R, Reynolds CF, Silverman MM: “Confronting Depression and Suicide in Physicians: A Consensus Statement.” JAMA 289: 23, 3161-3166, June 18, 2003. Abstract
  · Berman AL, Shepherd G, Silverman MM: “The LSARS-II: Lethality of Suicide Attempt Rating Scale - Updated.” Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior 33(3): 261-276, 2003. Abstract
  ·  Sanddal ND, Sanddal TL, Berman AL, Silverman MM: “A General Systems Approach to Suicide Prevention: Lessons from Cardiac Prevention and Control.” Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior 33(4): 341-352, 2003. Abstract
  · Silverman MM: “Preventing Suicide: A Call to Action.” World Psychiatry 3:3, 152-153, 2004. Abstract
  · Kisch J, Leino, EV, Silverman MM: “Aspects of Suicidal Behavior, Depression, and Treatment in College Students: Results from the Spring 2000 National College Health Assessment Survey.” Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior 35(1): 3-13, 2005 Abstract
  · Mann JJ, Apter A, Bertolote J, Beautrais A, Currier D, Haas A, Hegerl U, Lonnqvist J, Malone K, Marusic A, Mehlum L, Patton G, Phillips M, Rutz W, Rihmer Z, Schmidtke A, Shaffer D, Silverman M, Takahashi Y, Varnik A, Wasserman D, Yip OP, Hendin H: “Suicide Prevention Strategies: A Systematic Review.” JAMA 291 (October 26, 2005): 2064-2074.
  · Rudd, MD, Berman L, Joiner, Jr. TE, Nock MK, Silverman MM, Mandrusiak M, Van Orden KA, Witte T: “Warning Signs for Suicide: Theory, Research, and Clinical Applications.” Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 36(3): 255-262. Abstract
  · Van Orden KA, Joiner, Jr. TE, Hollar D, Rudd MD, Mandrusiak M, Silverman MM: “A Test of the Effectiveness of a List of Suicide Warning Signs for the Public”, Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior, 36(3):272-287. Abstract
  · Silverman MM: “The Language of Suicidology.” Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior 36(5): 519-532.
  · Rodgers PL, Sudak HS, Silverman MM, Litts DA: “Evidence-Based Practices Project for Suicide Prevention.” Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 37(2): 154-164, 2007. Abstract
  · Silverman MM, Berman AL, Sanddal ND, O'Carroll,PW, Joiner TE: “Rebuilding the Tower of Babel: A Revised Nomenclature for the Study of Suicide and Suicidal Behaviors. Part I: Background, Rationale, and Methodology.” Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 37(3): 248-263, 2007. Abstract
  · Silverman MM, Berman AL, Sanddal ND, O'Carroll PW, Joiner TE: “Rebuilding the Tower of Babel: A Revised Nomenclature for the Study of Suicide and Suicidal Behaviors. Part II: Suicide-Related Ideations, Communications and Behaviors.” Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 37(3): 264-277, 2007. Abstract

Location: Denver

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Pamela J. Staves, RN, MS, NP

Ms Staves is board certified as a Psychiatric Nurse Clinical Specialist and Nurse Practitioner and serves as the clinical coordinator and OEF/OIF (Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom) outreach coordinator for the VISN 19 MIRECC. Ms. Staves is a graduate of St. Lawrence State Hospital School of Nursing, Metropolitan State College and the University of Colorado Ms. Staves has over 30 years of nursing experience in a variety of clinical and educational settings. Colonel Staves (Ret) served as an Army Nurse and retired from the National Guard after 25 years of military service. Her areas of interest are PTSD, Suicidology and the transitioning OIF/OEF veteran.

Location: Denver

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Merilyne C. Waldo, Ph.D.

Dr. Waldo is the director of the Neurophysiology Laboratory of the VISN19/MIRECC. She received an M.S. in Clinical Neuropsychology from Cornell University, and a Ph.D. in Clinical and Experimental Psychology from the Graduate School of the Union Institute. She is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry, and has been on the faculty of the University Of Colorado School Of Medicine for nearly 25 years. She is also a Clinical Research Psychologist at the Eastern Colorado Healthcare System. She was the Director of the Mother’s and Children’s Project, an innovative program working with schizophrenic women and their young children. She served as the Chief Psychologist in the Department of Health in the Republic of Palau for three years, and also as the Director of Clinical Services in the Department of Health Services for the Federated States of Micronesia. She has published nearly 100 peer reviewed articles on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with a special interest in genetics and biological factors related to chronic mental illness.

Location: Denver

Selected Publications:
Publications from PubMed

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Hal Wortzel

Hal Wortzel is a second-year psychiatric fellow with the VISN 19 MIRECC at the Denver Veterans’ Hospital. With fellowship training in neuropsychiatry and forensic psychiatry, Dr. Wortzel hopes to combine these subspecialties and apply them to veteran populations. Future research goals include identifying incarcerated veterans and identifying neuropsychiatric characteristics of this population, and eventually shaping services to reduce the rate of incarceration or facilitate reintegration into VA services following release. Discharge from jails and prisons is a time of high suicide risk, and potentially an important period to target in efforts to minimize death from suicide.

Selected Publications
  · Oster TJ, Anderson CA, Filley CM, Wortzel HS, Arciniegas DB. (2007)Quetiapine for mania due to traumatic brain injury. CNS Spectr. 2007 Oct;12(10):764-9. Abstract
  · Wortzel HS, Anderson CA, Arciniegas DB. (2007)Treatment of pathologic laughing and crying. Curr Treat Options Neurol. 2007 Sep;9(5):371-80. Abstract

Location: Denver

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