TREATMENT OF DRUG DEPENDENCE AND PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS (KO2)
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Program, McLean Hospital
Roger D. Weiss, M.D.
The overall aim of this Independent Scientist Award is to continue my scientific development in the area of treatment of drug dependent patients, particularly those who are "dually diagnosed" with drug abuse and psychiatric illness. Two major hypotheses guide my current and planned research. The first is that since drug dependent and dually diagnosed patients are a heterogeneous group, identifying meaningful subgroups of patients and targeting specific therapies to these subgroups will improve treatment outcome. The second major hypothesis is that studying the integration of different treatment approaches (e.g., the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy) can lead to improved treatment for drug dependent patients. This award is designed to strengthen my involvement in five funded projects: 1) a study comparing two forms of group therapy for patients with bipolar disorder and substance dependence; 2) a study of optimal combinations of pharmacotherapy and behavioral treatment for alcohol dependence; 3) a study of the genetics of cocaine dependence; 4) the NIMH-funded Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder; and 5) a study of CDP-choline for cocaine dependence.
Key Words: drug dependence, substance dependence, dual-diagnosis
Grant Support: NIDA: KO2 DA00326, Treatment of Drug Dependence and Psychiatric Illness.
Program Sites: Department of Psychiatry: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Program, McLean Hospital
Program Director: Roger D. Weiss, M.D., McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478.
Contact Person: Roger D. Weiss, M.D., Tel. (617) 855-2242. Fax. (617) 855-2699. Email: weissr@mcleanpo.mclean.org
Representative Publications:
Weiss RD, Greenfield SF, Najavits LM, Soto JA, Wyner D, Tohen M, Griffin ML. Medication compliance among patients with bipolar disorder and substance use disorder. J. Clin. Psychiatry 1998; 59:172-174.
Weiss RD, Griffin ML, Greenfield SF, Najavits LM, Wyner D, Soto JA, Hennen JA. Group therapy for patients with bipolar disorder and substance dependence: results of a pilot study. J Clin Psychiatry 2000; 61:361-367.
Weiss RD, Griffin ML, Gallop R, Luborsky L, Siqueland L, Frank A, Onken LS, Daley DC, Gastfriend DR. Predictors of self-help group attendance in cocaine dependent patients. J Stud Alcohol 2000; 61:714-719.