Author Archives: samweiss

This study finds that when children with ADHD take stimulant medication for the first time the cross-talk between different parts of their brain becomes more stable and this is related to them paying better attention during a challenging task. This work helps us understand how stimulant medication for children with...

Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are a core symptom of autism. The current diagnostic system separates RRBs into four domains. These findings suggest that, based on data driven methods, RRBs may be best understood as 3 domains in verbally-able individuals and 2 domains in non-verbal individuals.

To improve access to care, we are developing and testing First Approach Skills Training- Disordered Eating (FAST-DE), a brief intervention to treat disordered eating in primary care settings. In this study, we conducted focus groups with adolescents and caregivers from the Latino community who had lived experience with disordered eating...

This paper reported on a new screening tool for children that measures their risk for problematic substance use and other risky behaviors in adolescence. This screening allows children with high risk to receive prevention potentially years before they would otherwise begin problematic behavior.

Levels of risk factors for opioids misuse and rates of substance use are reported for four distinct samples of adolescents and young adults from studies of the Helping End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Prevention Cooperative.

We trialed the use of a novel neuroactive steroid for the treatment of PPP.

This study reveals that psilocin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, reduces alcohol consumption in female mice by suppressing specific stress-related neurons in the brain. These findings offer new insight into the biological mechanisms that may allow psychedelic therapies to effectively treat alcohol use disorder.

Julia Taylor is a licensed clinical social worker who joined the department of psychiatry as a clinical instructor in 2025.  In her role as Psychoeducational Consultant with the Child and Family Guidance Program and Multidisciplinary Child Psychiatry Collaborative, Ms. Taylor works in conjunction with the child’s multidisciplinary treatment team and partners with the child, their families, and the child’s school. In this role, Ms. Taylor advocates for the child in...

We absolutely knocked it out of the park with fundraising this year for mental illness research through the Walk for Hope!!! With $21,108 raised and 172 participants/donors, we broke our own record by thousands! Thank you so much to all that promoted the event, fundrasied, donated and registered as a...

Dr. Adam Miller and his team are now trying to understand how early suicidal thoughts and behaviors emerge in kids. Their findings, published in the Journal of American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, show that 34% of children reported passive suicidal ideation (thoughts of dying), and 33% reported active...