Bixler and Vgontzas are studying the use of computerized EEG analysis which will lead to a more objective assessment of sleep patterns in sleep-disordered and psychiatric patients. From a basic science perspective in psychiatric research, John Ellis, Ph.D., is studying the changes in muscarinic receptors and their association with neurologic and mental illness. Research in geriatrics has focused on several important clinical areas including the side effects of antipsychotic medications in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, the prevalence of alcohol abuse in patients who have been chronically hospitalized for severe mental illness, the usefulness of CT scans or other neuroimaging studies in clinical evaluation of dementia, questions of living wills and advanced directives, and physician assisted suicide. The usefulness of different medications for agitation in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias has been examined. Research into electroconvulsive therapy has focused on the prevalence of memory disturbances and the frequency of heart rhythm disturbances in older patients.
Research is also underway related to various aspects of suicide.
This includes studies of suicide attempters by Lisa Fazzolari, D.O., and a study by Dr. Kettl examining suicide in native Alaskans.