About OSU RUPP

The Research Unit on Pediatric Psychopharmacology (RUPP) at The Ohio State University Nisonger Center in Columbus, Ohio is a group of professionals engaged in pharmacological, psychiatric, behavioral, nutritional and alternative research in children and adolescents. Our group includes psychiatrists, psychologists, pediatricians, and other disciplines as dictated by the research needs. We have an excellent group of coordinators with substantial experience in clinical research and help train graduate students, medical students, residents, and fellows in research.

RUPP Mission: The overarching goal of the OSU RUPP is to study safety and effectiveness of pharmacological agents and other treatments used to modify behavior in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, ADD or ADHD, and other childhood disorders. Such agents may include classical psychotropic medicines, as well as non-stimulant, nutritional or non-medical treatments. In addition, because these agents are used primarily to modify behavior, we have considerable experience in various methods for assessing behavior and learning performance.

RUPP Research Interests: The OSU RUPP has extensive experience working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD), mental retardation, and disruptive behavior disorders (primarily conduct disorder and oppositional disorder).

Interests of our group members include the following:

• Assessment of psychotropic medicines and other treatments in
  young people with behavioral or emotional disorders.
• Development and evaluation of behavioral assessment instruments.
• Assessment of new and alternative investigational treatments.
• Evaluation of the cognitive effects of psychotropic agents.
• Long-term outcome in young people with developmental,
  behavioral, and/or emotional disorders.
• Medication prevalence and patterns in young people.

Our work is supported by government grants, industry and other contracts. We also welcome private donors, whether dedicated to a specific goal or more general support (please e-mail psychmed@osu.edu for more information). We hope that all of our work converges to contribute to good science and improved clinical care.

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