Uriel Halbreich MD

Uriel Halbreich

Uriel Halbreich
MD

Professor and Director, BioBehavioral Research

Department of Psychiatry

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences


Specialty/Research Focus

Antidepressants; Behavioral Health; Behavioral Medicine; Behavioral pharmacology; Clinical Research; Depression; Endocrinology; Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism; Health Disparities Research; Neurobiology; Pharmacotherapy; Psychiatry; Psychosomatic Medicine; Public Health; Social Determinants of Health; Stress; Women’s Health

Contact Information
255 Nottingham Terrace
Buffalo, New York 14216
Phone: 716-875-4989
urielh@buffalo.edu



Professional Summary:

My research is broadly concerned with studies of the biology of affective disorders and the development of biological markers and clinical laboratory tests for major depressive disorder. Hormonal modulation of brain and behavior with the emphasis on gonadal hormones and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system neurotransmitter and their metabolites.

Recent focus has been on Stress and Resilience and the comprehensive Interdisciplinary Culturally-Sensitive approach to Well-being. We collaborate with colleagues in over a dozen countries under the aegis of the world Psychiatric association (WPA) Sections of Interdisciplinary Collaboration (I am the founding chair) and Urban Mental Health.New-York State Well-being is pursued in collaboration with colleagues in New-York City as well as colleagues in SUNY Buffalo State and community agencies.
Research and Educational projects are pursued with 2 groups of Early-career Psychiatrists:At the WPA and the EPA, the emphasis is on development of Leadership and Management skills.

Education and Training:

  • Fellowship, Biological Psychiatry, Columbia University (1980)
  • Certificate, Psychotherapy and Psychiatry, Tel Aviv University, Sakler Postgraduate Medical School (1978)
  • Residency, Residency, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School (1978)
  • Residency, Residency and Training, Hadassah University Hospital (1978)
  • Residency, Community Residency, Jerusalem Community Mental Health Center (1976)
  • Residency, Neurology, Hadassah University Hospital (1976)
  • Residency, Residency, Kaplan Hospital, Outpatient Clinic (1976)
  • Residency, Talbieh Psychiatric Hospital (1974)
  • Certificate, Israeli Army (1969)
  • MD, Medicine, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School (1969)
  • Internship, Medicine, Hadassah University Hospital (1968)

Employment:

  • Founding chair, Section on Interdisciplinary Collaboration, World Psychiatric Association (1990-present)
  • Consultant, Kaleida Healthcare Systems (1998-present)
  • Founder and Director of the Life Cycle Center, State University of New York at Buffalo (1987-present)
  • Director of Bio-behavioral Research, State University of New York at Buffalo (1985-present)
  • Professor of Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1985-present)
  • Executive Consultant, Psychiatry, Harvard University (1998–2021)
  • Executive Consultant, Harvard University Medical School (1998–2021)
  • Research Professor of Ob/Gyn, State University of New York at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1988–2020)
  • Teaching Professor of OB/GYN, OB/GYN, University of Pisa (2007–2018)
  • Visiting Professor, Research, Al Quds University (2012–2013)
  • Attending Physician, Erie County Medical Center (1985–2007)
  • Visiting Professor, Harvard University Medical School (1996–1998)
  • Consultant, Buffalo VA Medical Center (1985–1996)
  • Founder and Director, SUNY/AB at Erie County Medical Center (1986–1993)
  • Consultant, Buffalo Psychiatric Center (1987–1992)
  • Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Psychiatry, AECOM (1982–1985)
  • Founder and Director,Division of biological Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine (1982–1985)
  • Research Associate, Montefiore Hospital and Medical Center (1980–1985)
  • Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Psychiatry, AECOM (1980–1982)
  • Director, Albert Einstein College of Medicine (1980–1982)
  • Founder and Director,Division of Neuro-Endocrinolofy, Albert Einstein College of Medicine (1980–1982)
  • Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (1978–1980)
  • Research Psychiatrist, New York State Psychiatric Institute (1978–1980)
  • Temporary Chief Physician, Hadassah University Hospital (1978)
  • Chief Psychiatrist, Navy, Israeli Navy (1976–1978)
  • Chief Psychiatrist, Israeli Navy (Active Reserve) (1976–1978)
  • First Assistant, Hadassah University Hospital (1976–1978)
  • Lecturer, Bezalel Academy of Arts (1976–1978)
  • Lecturer of Psychiatry, Psychiatry, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School (1976–1978)
  • Second Assistant, Kaplan Hospital (1974–1976)
  • Vice Chief Medical Officer, Israeli Navy (1970–1972)
  • Vice-Chief Medical Officer, Medicine, Israeli Navy (1970–1972)
  • Regiment Medical Officer, Israeli Army (1969–1970)
See all (23 more)

Awards and Honors:

  • Article of the month--December 2021 (2021)
  • Fulbright Award (2012)
  • Honorary Fellow (2009)
  • America's Top Psychiatrist (2008)
  • Honorary Fellow (2008)
  • Service Award (2003)
  • President,International Association of Women`s Mental Health(IAWMH) (2001)
  • President,International Society of PsychoneuroEndocrinology(ISPNE) (1999)
  • President,Hormone Brain and NeuroPsychoPharmacology (HBN) (1989)
  • Citations in National and International Who's Who (1984)
  • National Research Service Award (1978)
  • Yair Gon Award (1978)
  • Ben Gurion Award (1976)

Research Expertise:

  • Has been Principal Investigators (PI) in Federal and Pharmaceutical studies of Affective disorders and Women`s Mental Health and disorders.

Grants and Sponsored Research:

  • January 2005–January 2008
    A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled study of the safety and efficacy of Arpiprazole as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder
    Bristol Myers Squibb Co.
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 2004–January 2008
    Olanzapine vs. Aripiprazole in the treatment of acutely ill patients with schizophrenia
    Eli Lilly and Company
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 2002–January 2008
    Identification and diagnosis of mental disorders in Beijing Ob/Gyn clinics
    Pfizer Inc. Foundation
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 2005–January 2007
    Diagnosis of clinically relevant premenstrual syndromes- Achieving international interdisciplinary consensus for update of ICD-10 Diagnosis of PMS
    Schering Inc.
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 2005–January 2007
    A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study of the safety and efficacy of three dose levels of CORLUX (Mifepristone) plus an antidepressant vs. placebo plus and antidepressant in the treatment of psychotic symptoms in patients with PMS.
    Corcept
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 2002–January 2003
    Phase III, open label, multicenter, multinational, contraceptive study of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA: mg) and Estradiol Cypionate (E2C 5 mg) injectable suspension administered subcutaneously
    Pharmacia
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 2001–January 2003
    The Relationship between Valproate and Other Mood-Stabilizer Therapies to the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Polycystic Ovarian Morphology in Women with Bipolar Disorder
    Harvard Medical School
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1999–January 2003
    Beijing Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial Comparing Fluoxetine to Electro-Acupuncture
    Eli Lilly and Company
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1999–January 2003
    A Comparative Study of the Steady-State Pharmacokinetics of Lithium Before and During Multiple Oral Daily Topiramate Dosing in patients with Bipolar Disorder
    R.W. Johnson
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 2001–January 2002
    Systemic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 2001–January 2002
    Phase IIIB Multi center trial, a comparison of Lunelle and Depo-Provera on Bone Mineral Density
    Pharmacia
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 2000–January 2002
    A randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind study of Naltrel in promotion of abstinence among alcohol dependent subjects
    Drug Abuse Science
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1999–January 2002
    Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder
    National Institute of Mental Health
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 1999–January 2002
    Risperidone Depot (Microspheres) in the treatment of Subjects with Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder
    Janssen
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1998–January 2002
    A double blind, randomized, placebo and historical controlled study of the safety and efficacy of premarin/trimegestrone for post menopausal hormone replacement therapy
    Wyeth Ayerst Research
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1999–January 2001
    Olanzapine Alone & in Combination with Fluoxetine vs. Placebo in Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features
    Eli Lilly and Company
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1999–January 2001
    Study of St. John's Wart on Outpatients with DSM-IV Major Depression
    Vanderbilt Research University
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1998–January 2001
    Intermittent Dosing of Fluoxetine in the Treatment of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Late Luteal Phase Daily Dosing Versus Placebo
    Eli Lilly and Company
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1999–January 2000
    Open Label Reboxetine Rescue and Continuation Therapy
    Pharmacia Upjohn
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1999–January 2000
    Pharmacogenomics Blood Sampling Protocol
    Pharmacia Upjohn
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1999–January 2000
    Reboxetine vs. Placebo in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder Resistant to Fluoxetine
    Pharmacia Upjohn
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1998–January 2000
    Olanzapine in the Reduction of Hyperprolactinemia
    Eli Lilly and Company
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1996–January 2000
    Double-Blinded Parallel Comparison of Luteal Phase Treatment with Sertraline and Placebo in Patients with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
    Pfizer, Inc.
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1997–January 1998
    Reboxetine versus Placebo in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
    Pharmacia Upjohn
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1996–January 1998
    A Ten-Week, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Oral CP-93,393-1 in outpatients with Major Depressive Disorder
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1993–January 1997
    Treatment of dysphoric menstrual syndromes with mifepristone (RU-486)
    Rousel Uclaf
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1995–January 1996
    Intermittent late luteal treatment with sertraline of women with dysphoric PMS-- A Pilot Study
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1995–January 1996
    Fifty -two week, open label, randomized study evaluating the safety and efficacy of oral ziprasidone (CP-88-059-1) 40-80 mg, bid and risperidone (3-5 mg daily) in the maintenance treatment of outpatients with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1994–January 1996
    Sertraline (Placebo controlled, double blind) for treatment of women with dysphoric premenstrual syndrome
    Pfizer Inc., U.S. Pharmaceutical Group
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • September 1991–August 1995
    Alpha 2 Receptors, Luteal Depression and Gonadal Hormones
    National Institute of Mental Health
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $518,074
  • June 1990–April 1994
    Menstrually Related Changes in Cognitive Functions
    National Institute of Mental Health
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $101,869
  • January 1994–January 1994
    Welbutrin sustained release form, as treatment for major depressive disorders
    Burroughs Wellcome Co.
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1994–January 1994
    Assessment of Mood and Cognition in Woman with Breast Cancer
    Nathan Cummings Foundation
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1993–January 1994
    Double blind follow-up comparison of sertraline, imipramine and placebo in patients with dysthymic disorder
    Pfizer Inc., U.S. Pharmaceutical Group
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1992–January 1993
    Double blind parallel comparison of sertraline, imipramine and placebo in outpatients with Dysthymia
    Pfizer Inc., U.S. Pharmaceutical Group
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1992–January 1993
    Luproid acetate depot for treatment of dysphoric PMS
    TAP Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1991–January 1993
    Estraderm patches as treatment of dysphoric PMS, an their influence on cognitive functions and the Imidazoline- CDS system
    Ciba Geigi Co.
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1992–January 1992
    Abecarnil (Placebo Controlled, low and high dose) for treatment of outpatients with Generalized Anxiety disorder
    Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Corp.
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1991–January 1991
    Drug Induced Osteoporosis and Behavioral Changes
    Research for Health in Erie County
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1990–January 1991
    Hormonal Modulation of Brain and Behavior
    RGK Foundation
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1989–January 1990
    Hormonal Modulation of Brain and Behavior
    Daniel Roblins Memorial Fund
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1989–January 1989
    The Use of Hydrochlorothiazide for Premenstrual Edema
    Bristol Myers Squibb Co.
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1987–January 1989
    Administrative Structure for Brain & Behavioral Research
    National Institute of Mental Heath
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 1985–January 1989
    The Desipramine Cortisol Test in Depression
    National Institute of Mental Health
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1987–January 1988
    Clinical Study of Bupropion in Depression
    Burroughs Wellcome Co.
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1985–January 1988
    Biological Studies of Depression
    SUNY- Biomedical Research
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 1987–January 1987
    Biology of Aberrant Behavior
    Bernice P. Roger's Trust
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1985–January 1987
    Cortisol, MHPG and Depression
    National Institute of Mental Health
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 1981–January 1986
    Premenstrual Syndromes: Biological and Diagnostic
    National Institute of Mental Health
    Role: Co-Principal Investigator
  • January 1985–January 1985
    Preliminary Studies of Tardive Dyskinesia
    The Ritter's Foundation
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1982–January 1985
    Cortisol Secretion and Depression: A New Test
    National Institute of Mental Health
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 1983–January 1984
    The Prolactin Response to Reserpine in Schizophrenia
    National Institute of Mental Health
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1983–January 1984
    Biology of Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia
    The Ritter's Foundation
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1982–January 1982
    Biology of Affective Disorders and Premenstrual Changes
    The Ritter's Foundation
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1982–January 1982
    Research in Biological Psychiatry
    Richard Hirschfeld‘s Bequest
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $248,000
  • January 1982–January 1982
    The Dean's Discretionary Fund
    Richard Hirschfeld‘s Bequest
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $164,000
  • January 1980–January 1981
    Endocrinology of Mental Disorders
    SUNY- Biomedical Research Grant
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 2005
    A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled study of a combination of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol in a continuous daily regimen in subjects with premenstrual dysphoric disorder
    Wyeth Ayerst Research
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 1994
    2nd International Congress of Women's Mental Health
    2nd International Congress of Women's Mental Health
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $811,170
  • Prevalence of Hyperprolactinemia in Schizophrenic Patients Treated with Antipsychotic Drugs
    Eli Lilly and Company
    Role: Co-Investigator
See all (50 more)

Journal Articles:

See all (189 more)

Books and Book Chapters:

  • Halbreich U. (2021) Micro-migration. In: Oxford text book of Migration. Oxford University Press, 189-192.

Professional Memberships:

  • American Psychiatric Assoc(APA); Distingwished life Fellow (2019–present)
  • IAWMH; Past (Founding) President (2001–present)
  • ISPNE; Past President (1990–present)
  • Amer.Coll.Psychiat; Fellow (1986–present)
  • ACNP; Fellow (1982–present)
  • CINP; Fellow (1980–present)

Presentations:

  • "Impact of Urbanization on Well-being" Meetings of WPA Section on Urban Psychiatry and APA Cacuse of IMG.

Service Activities:

  • Suggested and hope to pursue informal challenging future-forward discussions with Dept of Psychiatry residents.; Initiator, supervisor and coordinator (2023–present)
  • Design drug delivery molecular vehicle for neuroactive "adaptogens".; structure interschools collaborative project with colleague in UB school of Engineering (2023–present)
  • Organized and led an inter-denominational prayer and celebration at the Buffalo JCC. Spoke at a Rally in support of Israel following Hamas attack of Oct.7th 2023.; Organizer and speaker (2023)
  • Pursue operational re-conceptualization of Mental Health to be A Comprehensive Well-being.Discussions at APA,WPA,ACNP and others.; Advacate,Initiator of change (2023–present)
  • Recommend needed research on SDoMH to be pursued and supported by the APA; Co-chair,American Psychiatric Assoc.(APA) sub-committee on Research on Psycho-Social Determinants of Mental Health (2021–2022)
  • Coordinated, invited collaborators, edited and completed a collaboration of the royal College of Psychiatrists, UK and the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) which resulted in a Special issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry-Advances of which I served as the guest-Editor.; Guest Editor (2020–2021)
  • Have been supervising two groups of early-Career Psychiatrists in development of Leadership skills. Under the aegis of the World Psychiatric association and the European Psychiatric Association.; supervisor (2020–2024)
  • H&J Med Infor Consultants; President (2006–present)
  • IN-CLINE RE&D; President (2006–present)
  • Buffalo West Side and Buffalo East Side Task Forces; Member (2005–present)
  • Admissions Committee; Member (2004–2006)
  • International Society of Affective Disorders; Member (2004–2006)
  • World Psychiatric Association Section on Affective Disorders; Co-Chair (2004–2005)
  • Interdisciplinary Research Review Panel; Member (2004–present)
  • Department of Ob/Gyn Research Committee; Member (2003–present)
  • Faculty Senate; Member (2002–2004)
  • World Innovation Foundation (2002)
  • World Innovation Foundation (2002–present)
  • American Psychiatric Association Committee on Research on psychiatric Treatements- 2006- Present (2002–present)
  • International Society of PsychoNeuroEndocrinology; President (2002–present)
  • International Association for Women‘s Mental Health (2001–2004)
  • International Association for Women's Mental Health; President (2001–2004)
  • Institutional Resources Committee; Member (2001–2002)
  • International Association for Women's Mental Health; Member (2001–present)
  • advocate for Health and Well-being with several US Congress representatives, Buffalo Mayor and Council.; Advocate (2000–present)
  • 2nd HBN Congress; Chairman (2000)
  • Department of Psychiatry Steering Committee; Member (2000–present)
  • International Society of PsychoNeuroEndocrinology; President (1999–2002)
  • International Society of PsychoNeuroEndocrinology; President (1999–2002)
  • American Psychiatric Society (1999)
  • International Brain Research Organization; Member (1999–present)
  • Executive Committee and Board of Directors Jewish Family Services; Member (1998–2005)
  • American College of Physician Executives; Member (1998–2002)
  • American College of Forensic Examiners (1998–2001)
  • Health Science Institutional Review Board; Member (1998–2001)
  • Department of Psychiatry Continuing Medical Education; Member (1998–present)
  • World Psychiatric Association Section on Interdisciplinary Collaboration; Chairman (1997–present)
  • World Psychiatric Association section on Interdisciplinary Collaboration; Chairman (1997–present)
  • Department of Psychiatry Primary Care Initiative Committee; Member (1994)
  • Hormones, Brain and Neuropsychopharmacology (HBN); President (1993–2005)
  • 1st International Congress on Hormones, Brain and NeuroPsychoPharmacology; Chairman (1993)
  • Department of Psychiatry Long-Term Strategy and Goals Committee; Member (1992–1994)
  • Association of Medicine and Psychiatry; Member (1991–2000)
  • Department of Psychiatry Income Fund Reimbursement Committee; Member (1991–1994)
  • International Affairs; Member (1991–1994)
  • Department of Psychiatry Research and Faculty Development Committee; Member (1991–1994)
  • Faculty Development Committee; Member (1991–1993)
  • Apppointment, Promotions,Tenure & Privileges; Member (1990–1994)
  • XXI Congress of the International Society of PsychoNeuroEndocrinology; Chairman (1990)
  • Collegium Internationale Neuropsychopharmacologicum Education Committee, 1989-1996, 2002- Present Co-Chair- Education Committee, 1994-1996 Awards and Fellowship Committee, 1998-2000; Member (1989–2002)
  • Faculty Council; Member (1989–1992)
  • Task Force for Psychiatric Clinical Services Medical Consortium Erie County; Member (1989–1990)
  • Society of Neuroscience; Member (1988–2005)
  • American Neuropsychiatric Society; Member (1988–2003)
  • American Neuropsychiatric Society; Member (1988–2003)
  • Research Committee; Member (1988–1990)
  • Department of Psychiatry Faculty Development Committee; Member (1988–1990)
  • Task Force for Ob/Gyn Clinical Services Medical Consortium Erie County; Member (1988–1989)
  • American College of Psychiatrists Program Committee- 1991-1995 Scientific Program Committee- 1999-2002; Member (1987–2002)
  • American Society for Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology; Member (1987–1994)
  • Residency Researcher Committee; Chair (1987–1989)
  • Faculty Council; Member (1986–1987)
  • World Federation for Mental Health; Member (1986–present)
  • Department of Psychiatry Executive Committee.; Member (1985–2021)
  • American College of NeuroPsychopharmacology Education and Training Committee, 1985-1988 Program and Scientific Communication Committee, 1988-1991 CME Liaison, 1992-1993 Constitution and Rules Committee, 1994-1996 Chairman, Constitution and Rules Committee 1996; Member (1985–2000)
  • Buswell Fellowship Committee; Member (1985–1998)
  • Department of Psychiatry Continuing Medical Education; Member (1985–1996)
  • Department of Psychiatry Steering Committee; Member (1985–1996)
  • Department of Psychiatry Research Committee; Chair (1985–1993)
  • Department of Psychiatry Appointments, Promotions, and Tenure Comittee; Member (1985–1990)
  • American Psychiatric Association (1983–present)
  • American Association for the Advancement of Science; Member (1982–2002)
  • New York Academy of Science; Member (1982–2000)
  • Society of Biological Psychiatry; Member (1982–1993)
  • American Psycho-Pathology Association (1982–present)
  • International Society of PsychoNeuroEndocrinology; Member (1982–present)
  • The Endocrine Society; Member (1980–2005)
  • American Federation for Clinical Research; Member (1980–1989)
  • American Society of Psychopathology of Expression; Member (1980–1984)

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Contact Information

255 Nottingham Terrace
Buffalo, New York 14216
Phone: 716-875-4989
urielh@buffalo.edu