The National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD) gave a record $16.8 million in research grants for 1998, the organization announced March 30.

This includes funding for 146 new grants and 159 continuing grants. Of these, 16 went to "distinguished investigators," that is, experienced researchers with established track records, while 130 went to "young investigators" in the early stages of their research careers.

The topics funded for established researchers ranged from genetic studies of bipolar disorder to a pilot magnetic resonance imaging study of the children of schizophrenic patients.

Among young scientists, topics funded ranged from the relatively unconventional, for example, an investigation of how the herb ginkgo biloba affects treated schizophrenic patients to the elaboration of a process-oriented model of dysfunction in schizophrenia.

"NARSAD is doing phenomenally in terms of raising money," remarked Herbert Pardes, M.D., president of NARSAD's Scientific Council and dean of Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons.

He credited Constance Lieber, president of NARSAD's board of directors, for much of this success. NARSAD has successfully used "a variety of techniques to make it happen," said Pardes, who is a former president of APA. The sense that NARSAD continues to reach both "forward and higher" has created excitement that generates financial contributions and loyalty, he observed.

Those who have contributed to NARSAD have been able to see that their donations are advancing research on the frontiers of brain science and behavior, he noted.

Samuel Guze, M.D., chair of APA's Council on Research, spoke with Psychiatric News about NARSAD's grant record.

"I think NARSAD has unquestionably been one of the great developments for the future of psychiatric research," said Guze. "I have tremendous admiration and respect for the lay board of directors of NARSAD and especially for Connie Lieber. She has been unexcelled in her devotion, know-how, and commitment of time and energy to the crucial goal of evolving an important nongovernmental source of funds. This complements the funds available from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, so we can really make sure that good people and good work are supported."

Although dwarfed in size by the federal agencies, "in terms of commitment of energy, time, and resources, NARSAD is without parallel," Guze added.

NARSAD is the largest private international philanthropic organization supported by public contributions that is devoted to funding for basic research on schizophrenia, depression, and related severe psychiatric disorders.

NARSAD also seeks and has received restricted grants for administration and fund-raising so that 100 percent of contributions earmarked for research go directly to research grants.

Since its inception, NARSAD has funded 885 scientists at 130 institutions.