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)
Fulbright-Nehru Award of excellence in Research and Teaching (2024)
appointed to the APA council on Womwen`s Mental Health (2024)
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 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
Halbreich U. (2023) impact of Urbanization on Mental Health and Well-being. Current Opinions on Psychiatry (May), 36(3): 200-205.
Halbreich u. (2021) Stress-Related Physical and Mental Disorders: a New Paradigm. British Journal of Psychiatry-Advances (May), 27(3): 145-152.
Halbreich U. (2021) Stress:a global Multidimentional common Denominator. British Journal of Psychiatry-Advances (May), 27(3): 142-144.
Halbreich U. (2021) Mental vaccines: Can resilience and adaptation of vulnerable individuals and populations be enhanced before disasters and crises?. British Journal of Psychiatry-advances (May), 27(3): 201-203.
Halbreich U. (2024) Pursuit of common grounds across deep divides. Acad.Ment.health.WellB (Sep), 1(2): 1-3.
Halbreich U. (2024) Academia mental Health and Well-Being: Promote awareness of Mental Health and Trasform it to a Global Operational Well-Being. Acad mental Health & well-Being (Jan), 1(1): 1-3.
Halbreich U. (2022) Suicide of Physicians and otherHealthcare Professionals. Acta Scientific neurologiy (Sep), 5(11): 24-25.
Santos M,Samouco A, azvee z,...Halbreich U. (2022) Leadership skill training in Psychiatry: a European-based cross-sectional survey of needs. European Psychiatry (Sep), S1(66): S89-S89.
Halbreich U. (2022) Believe the Patient. Clinical Case Reports International (Feb), 2022(6): 1275.
alam F.,Hossain R, Ahmed H, Alam M, Sarkar M, Halbreich U. (2021) Stressors and Mental Health in Bangladesh: Current situation and future hopes. British j of Psychiatry, International (Dec), 2021(12): 1-4.
Halbreich U. (2021) Well-Being:Diversified perspectives in Search of Definitions. International J of Social Psychiatry (Dec), 2021(12): 1-4.
Halbreich U. (2021) Metropolitan conglomerates in Developing countries: the Mumbai well-being challenge. Acta Scientific Neurology (Dec), 4(12): 45-46.
Abi Zeid Daou, Halbreich U, Geller J. (2021) Impact of global and national crises on people with severe mental illness. British J Psychiatry-Advances (May), 27(3): 181-183.
Singh A., Chatterjee U, MacDonald C. ,Repasky E., Halbreich U. (2021) Psychosocial stress and immunosuppression in cancer:what we can learn from new research?. British J of Psychiatry-Advances (May), 27(3): 187-197.
Olangunju A, Bioku A,...Halbreich U. (2021) Psychological distress and sleep problems in healthcare workers in a developing context during COVID-19 pandemic; Implications for workplace well-being. Progress in Neurology-PsychoPharmacology and Biological Psychiatry (Apr), 110292(110): 1-5.
Halbreich U. (2020) Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Academia. Acta Scientific Neurology (Nov), 3(11): 110-111.
Halbreich U, Meng F. (2020) Mental Health of Healthcare Personnel during Quarantine for Infectious Epidemic--Real-time Data. Acta Scientific Neurology (May), 3(5): 24-30.
Halbreich,U. Schultze T., Botbol M., Javed A et al. (2019) Partnerships for Interdisciplinary collaborativeGlobal Well-being. Asia-Pacific Psychiatry (Jul), 11(2): e12366.
halbreich U. (2018) Micro-migration: global domestic intergenerational cultural conflict. Int J social psychiatry (Jul), 54,2018: 519-520.
Halbreich U. (2018) Pursuit of Happiness,Prosperity and Health (P-HPH). International j of social Psychiatry (Jun), 64(4): 1-2.
Halbreich U. (2021) Micro-migration. In: Oxford text book of Migration. Oxford University Press, 189-192.
diPaulo V, Halbreich U. (2025) Psych-Social Determinants of Health. Academia.edu.
Ivbijaro G,Halbreich U. (2025) Dignity of Health care practitioners and Patients. Academia.edu.
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:
"Metropolitan Buffalo Well-being" Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) (2024)
"New York City Well-being" Annual meeting of the APA. (2024)
"Impact of Urbanization on Well-being" Meetings of WPA Section on Urban Psychiatry and APA Cacuse of IMG.
Service Activities:
Assess and implement new technologies in mental health services and research.; WPA Section on Digital Psychiatry (2024–present)
a national Board to promote and enhance Women`s Reproductive Health; Member,APA council on women Mental Health (2024–present)
Advice the Asian community of WNY. collaborated with them in data collection for APA presentation.; Advisor (2024–present)
A new interdisciplinary international journal; Founding E-I-C of Acdemia mental health and Well-being (2024–present)
component of the council on international Psychiatry; Member (EC) of APA caucus on International Medical Graduates (IMG) (2024–present)
WPA section on urban Psychiatry. participated in symposia and publication.currently in preparation of webinars,; Member (EC),WPA section on urban Psychiatry (2024–present)
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)