Dr. Reiersen has general research interests related to epidemiology, genetics, and longitudinal course of childhood-onset psychiatric disorders. She is also interested in neurodevelopmental models of psychiatric illness and the relationship between psychiatric symptoms and neurological dysfunction. Research projects have included focus on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Tourette Syndrome (and other tic disorders), motor coordination, subtle neurological signs, Wolfram Syndrome, and childhood precursors to schizophrenia. Dr. Reiersen also collaborates on projects involving animal models which may advance our understanding of mechanisms underlying human psychiatric disorders.

Dr. Reiersen is the child & adolescent psychiatry assessment supervisor for the First Contact Assessment Service, which evaluates individuals who are showing early signs of a possible psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia. In addition to assessment by a psychiatrist, First Contact assessments include diagnostic interviews and cognitive testing by a psychologist. The First Contact Assessment Service generally does not follow patients over time, but provides evaluation reports to the treating psychiatrist. Before making an appointment with the First Contact Assessment Service, patients should already have a treating physician who is willing to provide ongoing treatment. In order to facilitate communication of treatment recommendations, the contact information for this treating physician (usually a psychiatrist) should be provided prior to scheduling the evaluation.

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