Psychopharmacology of Novel and Natural Treatments
Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, McLean Hospital
Andrew L. Stoll, M.D., Pierre V. Mayer, M.D., James Greenblatt, M.D., Karen E. Damico, B.A., Ingrid A. Sarmiento, B.A., and Melanie Rendall, M.S.c.
Dr. Stoll, Director of the Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory and the Center for the Development of Novel and Natural Treatments for Mood Disorders at McLean Hospital, is studying the use of novel pharmacological strategies for bipolar disorder, unipolar depression, and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
Dr. Stoll and his research team are investigating the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids, trace minerals, and other "natural" treatments in bipolar disorder and unipolar depression. Their preliminary data suggests that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil exhibit antidepressant and mood stabilizing properties. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis of abnormal signal transduction in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. Related work includes the study of membrane phospholipids and signal transduction processes in bipolar disorder, using in vivo magnetic resonance methods.
Key words: bipolar disorder, rapid cycling, mania, depression, omega-3 fatty acids, imaging, clinical trials, mood stabilizers, antipsychotic agents, neutraciticals, novel and natural treatments, herb/supplement drug interactions, conventional medications, and complementary and alternative medicine.
Grant Support: NIH, Abbott Laboratories, Janssen Pharmaceutica, Eli Lilly & Company, Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Harvard Medical School, The Stanley Foundation, The Poitras Charitable Fund, and the Hirschhorn Foundation.
Program Site: Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, North Belknap Building, McLean Hospital.
Program Director: Andrew L. Stoll, M.D., Director, Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA 02478. e-mail address: alstoll@mclean.harvard.edu
Contact Person: Susanne M. Friel, Administrative Assistant, (617) 855-2459; FAX (617) 855-3752.
Training Opportunities: Both pre- and post-doctoral training positions are available.
Representative Publications:
Stoll AL, Severus E, Freeman MP, Rueter S, Zboyan HA, Diamond E, Cress KK, Marangell LB. Omega-3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder: a preliminary double blind, placebo-controlled trial. Archives Gen Psychiatry 1999;56:407-412.
Stoll AL. Damico KE, Daly BP. Severus WE, Marangell LB. Methodological considerations in clinical studies of omega-3 fatty acids in major depression and bipolar disorder. World Rev Nutr Diet. In press 2000.
Stoll AL, Locke CA, Vuckovic A, Mayer PV. Lithium associated cognitive and functional deficits reduced by a switch to divalproex sodium: A case series. J Clin Psychiatry 1996;57:356-9.
Freeman MP, Stoll AL. Mood stabilizer combinations: A review of safety and efficacy. Am J Psychiatry 1998;155:12-21.