Research offers the opportunity for our staff and patients to become involved in novel and innovative approaches to psychiatric care. By partnering with the biotechnology community, industry, and academia-based research programs, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services is also established as an institution dedicated to advancing the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders.
“When considering potential research, we look for studies that: address an unmet clinical need, investigate a new/novel treatment approach, aid in early diagnosis or response to treatment, and explore genetics and personalized medicine,” says Eric Achtyes, MD, Staff Psychiatrist, Pine Rest CMHS, Interim Director, MSU Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine.
Pine Rest is currently involved in the following clinical trials. If you are interested in study participation, our research staff can be reached at 616-222-4592 or research@pinerest.org.
Open to enrollment
Short Term Efficacy and Cognitive Side Effects of Acute Electroconvulsive Therapy for Agitation and Aggression in Dementia (A Prospective Study)
Key question: Do patients with dementia receiving standard care vs. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) differ in reduction of aggression and agitation symptom severity and changes in cognition pre- and post-treatment?
Intervention: None. This observational study will only measure the symptoms and side effects for those receiving ECT versus those on medications.
Subject population: Older adults admitted to the Older Adult Unit at Pine Rest; ages 55-89 with a diagnosis of moderate to severe dementia and the presence of agitation/aggression; referred for ECT treatment, however, both those who chose treatment and those who decline can participate in this study.
Study Visits: Subjects will be assessed 5 times over the course of approx. 6 weeks using several clinical efficacy scales that measure levels of agitation, cognitive, depression and activity of daily living outcomes.
Investigative site: Older Adult Unit at Pine Rest Main Campus, Grand Rapids, MI
Principal Investigator: Dr. Jack Mahdasian, MD, Staff Psychiatrist, Older Adult Unit
Safety and tolerability of aripiprazole for the treatment of adolescents with schizophrenia and children and adolescents with bipolar manic or mixed episode.
(Phase 3, Open Label Study)
Key question: Is this study medication safe and tolerable for use in adolescents with schizophrenia and children and adolescents with bipolar manic or mixed episode?
Intervention: Flexible-dose of the study medication, aripiprazole
Subject population: Adolescents ages 13-17 who have a history of Schizophrenia (symptoms or diagnosis) for at least 6 months and are not currently experiencing a major depressive episode or children and adolescents ages 10-17 with Bipolar I Disorder, manic or mixed episode with or without psychotic features, who have had symptoms for at least one week; who do not have a diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Autism, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Bipolar II, or Bipolar NOS; who are not treatment resistant; are in good physical health; who do not have a history of substance/alcohol dependence within the past 6 months; other protocol defined inclusion and exclusion criteria may apply.
Study Visits: Regular study visits across approximately 2.5 years during which participants are monitored by a medical team. Study visits include, at no charge, study related mental health assessments, physical exams, laboratory tests and the study medication.
Investigative site: Pine Rest Main Campus, Grand Rapids, MI
Principal Investigator: Dr. Gilbert Masterson, MD, Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Link to trial posted on clinicaltrials.gov
Closed to enrollment but in progress
Pharmacogenomics in the selection of antidepressants
(Pilot Study)
Key question: Can genetic information lead to a more rapid selection of safe and effective antidepressant medications?
Intervention: Pharmacogenomic guided antidepressant selection versus treatment as usual
Subject population: Men and women ages 18-80 with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Depression NOS who are currently experiencing symptoms of moderate to severe depression, who do not have a diagnosis of bi-polar, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder, who do not have a history of substance abuse within the past 6 months, who are not in imminent need of inpatient hospitalization. Other protocol defined inclusion and exclusion criteria may apply.
Study Visits: 4 study visits over the course of 10 weeks. Visits include psychological and physical assessments.
Investigative site: Pine Rest Outpatient Clinics in the Grand Rapids, MI area
Principal Investigator: Dr. Kevin Furmaga, PharmD, BCPP, Clinical Psychopharmacology Specialist
Link to trial posted on clinicaltrials.gov
Long term safety and efficacy of a novel antidepressant
(Phase 3, Open Label Study)
Key question: Is this novel antidepressant safe, tolerable and effective for the long-term treatment of depression?
Intervention: Novel antidepressant with unique properties to help with depression
Subject population: Men and women ages 18-70 with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who are currently experiencing symptoms of moderate to severe depression, with no history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, eating disorder (current or during previous one year), or obsessive-compulsive disorder; who are in good physical health; have no history of substance or alcohol abuse in the last 30 days or dependence in the last 6 months; who are not at immediate risk of suicide nor have a history of suicide attempts within the past 2 years; and if employed, are working regular daytime hours. Other protocol defined inclusion and exclusion criteria may apply.
Study Visits: 12 study visits over the course of 52 weeks. Visits include psychological and physical assessments, med check with study psychiatrist, dosing of study drug.
Investigative site: Pine Rest Main Campus, Grand Rapids, MI
Principal Investigator: Dr. Eric Achtyes, MD, Staff Psychiatrist, Interim Director, MSU Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine
Link to trial posted on clinicaltrials.gov
Research News, Events, and Other Information
Links to Pine Rest research media releases
Link to Clinical trials at St. Mary's Health Care
Link to ClinicalTrials.gov
