Investigation of the Underpinnings of Personality Disorder

We are actively recruiting patients 18-60 years of age with:

- schizotypal personality disorder

- borderline personality disorder

- impulsive aggressive/intermittent explosive disorder

- other personality disorders; ie: Avoidant, Paranoid, Obsessive-Compulsive, Anti-social, etc

Our research study includes:

- a full physical at the clinical research center

- neuropsychological testing

- self-report questionnaires

- biological studies

- neuroimaging studies (may include PET scans, fMRI’s and structural MRI’s)

- treatment trials for PD’s where no current tx is available (all are drug/placebo):

- Olanzapine, Risperidone, Guanfacine, Pergolide

- DBT – Dialectical Behavioral Therapy with Lexapro. The therapy consists of weekly individual therapy (50-60 minutes), a skills training group (ninety minutes) and therapist’s consultation meeting (ninety minutes).

Most patients are eligible for multiple studies. Studies last from two to six months. We offer feedback on the psychological evaluation, neuropsychological testing, and questionnaires for each patient. Reimbursement provided.

Major Exclusion Criteria Include:

- Major medical problems: ie: seizure disorder, head injury w/ significant loss of consciousness

- Past regular crack use or IV heroin use

- Major drug or alcohol abuse in the last 6 months

Patients must be free of psychiatric medication and should not be tapered off to take part in the study. In rare instances when medication is ineffective, there is a possibility that we may help them taper off.

Some studies will occur outside Mount Sinai Hospital