Karen Weihs, MD

Associate Professor of Psychiatry, with Tenure

Medical Director, Psychosocial Oncology Services, The University of Arizona Cancer Center — North Campus

E-Mail Address: 
weihs@email.arizona.edu
Short Bio: 

Dr. Weihs is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Psychiatry. She is the Medical Director for Supportive Care for Healing and Psychosocial Oncology at the Cancer Center. 

She completed medical school at the University of Iowa, followed by her residency training in Family Medicine. She studied Family Therapy at the Ackerman Institute during her Family Medicine residency.

After four years on the faculty of the Department of Family Medicine at Brown University, she returned to residency training at the University of Wisconsin, Department of Psychiatry where she completed training in Adult and Child Psychiatry.

Dr. Weihs launched her research career at the Center for Family Research at the George Washington University. She was federally funded to study families and illness, as well as teaching brief psychotherapy for psychiatry residents, providing psychiatric care for cancer patients and directing the Clinical Psychiatric Research Center for the conduct of clinical trials of pharmacologic interventions for anxiety and depressive disorders.

Dr. Weihs' current research aims to improve knowledge of how to prevent depression in patients with cancer and their family members, as well as to effectively treat stress and depression when they occur in cancer patients.

Clinical Information
Specialty: 
Psychiatrist
Clinical Focus: 

Dr. Weihs provides psychiatric and survivorship care in her clinic, where she works closely with Dr. Mark Gilbert and a team of social workers and nurses to provide continuity of care for the psychosocial aspect of cancer care for the whole patient and family. 

Dr. Weihs leads the Supportive Care for Healing program at The University of Arizona Cancer Center — North Campus, in which Survivorship, Psychiatric and Palliative Care clinics are integrated with other aspects of multidisciplinary cancer care.

Clinical Practice Sites: 
The University of Arizona Cancer Center - North Campus
The University of Arizona Medical Center - University Campus
Research Information
Research Program: 
4. Cancer Prevention and Control
Member Status: 
Member
Year of Membership Acceptance: 
2004
Summary of Research Activity: 

Dr. Weihs has an R01 grant from the National Cancer Institute - Emotions and Depression in Breast Cancer Survivorship - which began enrolling subjects in April 2010. Martha Barron is the study coordinator for the project, which is advertised to breast cancer patients who may want to participate in the study as the MYA project - My Year After breast cancer.

This is an interdisciplinary, two-site project on which the co- investigator is Annette Stanton, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology and Member of the Johnsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research at the University of California, Los Angeles. Co-Investigators for this project from the University of Arizona include Alison Stopeck, MD, Leader of the Breast Cancer Research Team, as well as colleagues from the Department of Psychiatry including Richard Lane, MD, PhD, and Francisco Moreno, MD.

The Mood Changes in Cancer study is a health services pilot study, being conducted at The University of Arizona Cancer Center — North Campus. It is funded with pilot grants from the Arizona Institute for Mental Health Research and from the Developmental Research Program of the Cancer Center GI SPORE. Collaborative Depression Care Management is being implemented for this project and the rate of remission of major depressive disorder using this approach will be compared to the outcomes of depression treated with usual care.

The Oxytocin and Breast Cancer Project, funded by the USA Department of Defense, Breast Cancer Research Program is now in the long-term followup phase. This study builds on results of the prospective, longitudinal research Dr. Weihs began in the 1990’s with the Family Coping and Breast Cancer Progression Project, in which protective effects of increased dependable support from family and friends was found to predict increased survival time.

Selected Publications: 

Weihs KL, Mehl M(2011). Brief Report: Naturalistically observed swearing, emotional support and depressive symptoms in women coping with illness. Health Psychology. doi: 10.1037/a0023431 

Kogan AV, Allen JJB, O’Donnell R, Brody AE, Weihs KL (2011)  Cardiac vagal control as a prospective predictor of anxiety in women diagnosed with breast cancer. APS Meeting Abstracts- Proceeding, 69th Annual Scientific Meeting, Abstract1247  p. 16.

Liebowitz MR, DeMartinis NA, Weihs K, Longborg PD, Smith WT, Chung H, Fayyad,R, Clary CM. (2003).  Efficacy of sertraline in severe generalized social anxiety disorder: Results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Jl of Clin Psychiatry 64(7): 785-792. 

Kimmel PL, Chawala LS, Amarasinghe A, Peterson RA, Weihs KL, Simmens SJ, Allyne S, Burke HB, Cruz I, Veis JH. (2003). Anthropometric measures, cytokines and survival in haemodialysis patients. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation 18(2): 326-32. 

Schneider LS, Nelson D, Clary CM, Newhouse P, Krishman KRR, Shiovitz T, Weihs K and The Sertraline Elderly Depression Study Group (2003). An eight-week, multicenter parallel group, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of sertraline in elderly outpatients with major depression. American Journal of Psychiatry 160: 1277 – 1285.

Weihs K, Fisher L, Baird M. (2002). Families and the management of chronic disease: Report for the Committee on Health and Behavior: Research Practice and Policy; Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, Families, Systems and Health, 20(1): 7 – 46.

Weihs K, Houser TL, Batey SR, Ascher JA, Bolden-Watson C, Donahue RMJ, Metz A.(2002). Long-term treatment with bupropion SR effectively prevents the relapse and recurrence of depression. Biological Psychiatry, 51(9): 753-761.

Weihs K, Enright T, Simmens S, Reiss D. (2000). Negative affectivity, restriction of emotions and site of metastases predict mortality in recurrent breast cancer. Jl. of Psychosomatic Research, 49: 59-68.

Kimmel PL, Peterson RA, Weihs KL, Shidler N, Simmens SJ, Alleyne S, Cruz, I, YanovshI JA, Veis JH, Phillips RM. (2000). Marital conflict, gender and survival in urban hemodialysis patients. J Am Soc Nephrology 11:1518-1525.

Kimmel PL, Peterson, RA, Weihs KL, Simmens, SJ, Alleyne, S, Cruz, IJA, Veis JH. (2000). Multiple measurements of depression predict mortality in longitudinal study of chronic hemodialysis outpatients. Kidney International, 57: 2093-2098.

Weihs KL, Settle E, Batey SR, Houser TL, Donahu, RMJ, Ascher JA (2000). Comparison of the safety and efficacy of bupropion sustained release and paroxetine in elderly depressed outpatients. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 61(3):196-202.

Ginexi EM, Weihs K, Simmens SJ, Hoyt DR. (2000). Natural disaster and depression: A prospective investigation of reactions to the 1993 midwest floods, Jl of Community Psychology, 28(4): 495-518.

Kimmel PL, Varela MP, Peterson PA, Weihs KL, Simmens SJ, Alleyne S, Amarashinge A, Mishkin GJ, Cruz I, Veis  JH (2000).  Interdialytic weight gain and survival in hemodialysis patients: Effects of duration of ESRD diabetes mellitus. Kidney International; 57 (3): 1141-1151.

Fisher L, Weihs KL (2000). Family relationships: A key for improving outcomes in chronic disease, Jl. of Family Practice.  49(6): 561 – 566.

Weihs KL, Enright TE, Simmens SJ. (1999). Marital satisfaction and emotional adjustment to breast cancer. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 17 (1):33-49.

Clayton AH, Clavet GJ, McGarvey EL, Warnock JK, Weihs KL. (1999). Assessment of sexual functioning during the menstrual cycle. Jl of Sex & Marital Therapy, 25: 281-291.

Kimmel PL, Peterson RA, Weihs KL, Simmens SJ, Alleyne S, Veis J, Cruz I.(1998). Psychosocial factors, behavioral compliance and survival in urban hemodialysis patients. Kidney International, 54:245-254.

Kimmel PL, Phillips TM, Simmens SJ, Peterson RA, Weihs KL, Alleyn S, Cruz I, Yanovski JA, Veis JH. (1998). Immunologic function and survival in hemodialysis patients. Kidney International, 54: 236-244.

Frank JB, Weihs K, Minerva E,. Lieberman DZ. (1998). Women's mental health in primary care.

Depression, anxiety, somatization, eating disorders, and substance abuse. [Review][227  refs]  Medical Clinics of North America. 82(2):359-89.

Hoyt DR, Conger RD, Valde JG, Weihs K. (1997). Psychological distress and help seeking in rural America. American Journal of Community Psychology, 25(4) 449-470.

Kimmel PL, Peterson RA, Weihs KL, Simmens SJ , Boyle DH, Umana W, Kovac JA, Alleyne S, Veis J, Cruz I. (1996). Psychological functioning, quality of life and behavioral compliance in patients beginning hemodialysis, J. Am. Soc. Nephrology 7(10):2152-9.

Kimmel PL, Peterson RA, Weihs K, Simmens SJ, Boyle DH, Verme D, Umana W, Veis J, Alleyn S, Cruz I. (1995). Behavioral compliance with dialysis prescription in hemodialysis patients  J. Am. Soc. Nephrology, 5(10):1826-1834.

Kimmel PL, Weihs K, Peterson RA, Simmens SJ, Boyle, DH, Cruz I, Umana W, Alleyne S, Veis J. (1995). Aspects of quality of life in hemodialysis patients. J. Am. Soc. Nephrology, 6:1418-1426

Kimmell PL, Weihs K, Peterson RA. (1993). Survival in hemodialysis patients: The role of depression. J. Am. Soc. Nephrology. 3:12-27.

Weihs K, Chapados JT. (1986). Interviewing skills training - A study. Social Science and Medicine, 23:31-34.

1) Robbins ML, Mehl MR, Smith HL, Weihs KL (2012), Linguistic Indicators of Patient, Couple, and Family Adjustment to Breast Cancer;  PsychoOncology. In press.

2) Iannone M, Pennick L, Tom A, Damiano M,  Cui H, Gilbert M,  Weihs KL, Stopeck AT (2012)   Prevalence of Depression in Adults with Hemophilia; Journal of Cancer Survivorship. In press.

3) Badger TA, Segrin C, Hepworth JT,  Pasvogel A, Weihs KL, Lopez AM (2012) Telephone-Delivered Health Education and Interpersonal Counseling Improve Quality of Life for Latinas with Breast Cancer and Their Supportive Partners;  PsychoOncology. In press.

4) Marshall, C.A., Curran, M.A., Koerner, S.S., Weihs, K.L., Hickman, A., & García, F. (2012). Information and support for co-survivors during or after cancer treatment: Consideration of Un Abrazo Para la Familia as a model for family-focused intervention in cancer rehabilitation. WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment, and Rehabilitation. In press.

5) Kogan, A.V., Allen, J.J.B., Weihs, K.L., Cardiac Vagal Control as a Prospective Predictor of Anxiety in Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Biological Psychology (2012), doi:10.1016/j.biopsycho.2012.02.019

6) Marshall, C.A., Badger, T.A., Curran, M.A., Koerner, S.S., Larkey, L.K., Weihs, K.L., Verdugo, L., & García, F.  (2012). Un Abrazo Para la Familia: Providing low-income Hispanics with education and skills in coping with cancer and caregiving. Psycho-Oncology. Doi:10.1002/pon.2108

7) Howe GW, Hornberger AP, Weihs KL, Moreno F, Neiderhiser JM. (2011). Higher-order structure in the trajectories of depression and anxiety following sudden involuntary unemployment. Journal of Abnormal Psychology. 121(2); 325-338.

8) Weihs KL, Wert JM. (2011). A Primary Care Focus on the Treatment of Patients with Major Depressive Disorder; The American Journal of Medical Sciences. 342(4); 324-330.

9) Robbins ML, Focella ES, Kasle S, López AM, Weihs KL, Mehl MR (2011) Brief Report: Naturalistically Observed Swearing, Emotional Support and Depressive Symptoms in Women Coping with Illness, Health Psychology. 30(6):789-792.  doi:10.1037/a0023431

10) Marshall, C.A., Weihs, K.L., Larkey, L.K., Badger, T.A.  Koerner, S.S., Curran, M.A., Pedroza, R., & García, F. (2011). “Like a Mexican wedding”: The psychosocial intervention needs of  predominately Hispanic low-income female co-survivors of cancer. Journal of Family Nursing, 17 (3), 380 - 402. DOI: 10.1177/1074840711416119. 

11) Marshall, C.A., Larkey, L.K., Curran, M.A., Weihs, K.L., Badger, T.A., Armin, J., & García, F. (2011). Considerations of culture and social class for families facing cancer:  The need for a new model for health promotion and psychosocial intervention.  Families, Systems, & Health, 29(2), 81–94. DOI: 10.1037/a0023975

12) Lane RD, Weihs KL (2010) Freud’s Antiquities. Psychodynamic Practice, 16(1): 77-78.

13) Hess LM, Malone DC, Reed PG, Skrepnek GH, Weihs KL (2010) Preferences of patients and oncologists for advanced ovarian cancer treatment-related health states. Health Outcomes Research in Medicine, 1(1):E51-E59. doi:10.1016/j.ehrm.2010.02.001

14) Michael YL, Carlson NE, Chlebowski RT, Aickin M, Weihs KL, Ockene JK, Bowen DJ, Ritenbaugh C. (2009) Influence of stressors on breast cancer incidence in the Women’s Health Initiative, Health Psychology, 28(2): 137-146.

15) Weihs KL, Enright TM, Simmens S (2008) Response to Coyne: Was it shown that close relationships predict breast cancer outcome?  Psychosomatic Medicine, 70: 737-740.

16) Weihs KL, Enright T, Simmens S.(2008). Close relationships and emotional processing predict decreased mortality in women with breast cancer: Preliminary Evidence. Psychosomatic Medicine, 70(1): 117 –   124.

17) Politi MC, Enright TM, & Weihs KL. (2007). The effects of age and emotional acceptance on distress among breast cancer patients.  Supportive Care in Cancer, 15(1), 73-79.  DOI: 10.1007/s00520-006-0098-6.

 

Collaborative Research: 

In order to deepen the scientific basis for her oxytocin research program, Dr. Weihs initiated animal studies and studies of tumor pathology in collaboration with basic scientists at the University of Arizona Cancer Center. Denise Frank, PhD, and Dr. Weihs are Co-Principal Investigators on the project Development and Testing of an Animal Model to Study the Effects of Group Housing and Oxytocin on Breast Cancer Progression, funded by the Better than Ever (BTE) Program of the University of Arizona Cancer Center.

In another project funded by TRIF (the Arizona Technology and Research Initiative Fund), Ray Nagel, MD, PhD, is Dr. Weihs' clinical and basic science mentor on the study Development and Testing of Immunohistochemical Staining for Oxytocin Receptors: Extending Translational Research Skills. These activities are the foundation for an ongoing translational research program to study the physiologic mechanisms through which supportive relationships improve cancer outcomes.

Dr. Weihs also collaborates with Linda Larkey, PhD, on a study of Tai Chi for relieving fatigue in breast cancer patients, in addition to a pilot study of storytelling as a form of emotion expression for optimizing well-being after breast cancer diagnosis.

With Principal Investigator, Dr. Terry Badger, Dr. Weihs collaborates on studies of telephone interventions for couples coping with breast and prostate cancer.

Bio sketch: 
application/msword iconR25TWeihs_BS8-27-111]_klw.doc
Professional Information
Board Certifications: 

 

American Board of Family Practice, recertified 2009

American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, permanent certification 1991

Professional Affiliations: 

 

Board Member, Wynn Center for Family Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY

Medical Advisory Board, Accordant, Care Management Division of CVS-Caremark, Inc.

National Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, CVS-Caremark, Inc.

American Psychosomatic Society, National Council Representative

Wynne Center for Family Research, University of Rochester – Board Member

Chair, Advisory Committee, General Clinical Research Center, University of Arizona, College of Medicine

Co-Director, Psychosomatic Medicine Interest Group, University of Arizona, College of Medicine

Chair, Psychosocial Oncology Leadership Team, University of Arizona Cancer Center 2006 – Present

Honors: 

 

Outstanding Educator Award- Department of Family Medicine, Brown University 1986

Charter Fellow, American Assn. of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training 1990

Best Poster, Conference on the (Non) Expression of Emotions in Health and Disease 1996

Tilburg, Holland

Fellow, American Psychiatric Association 2003

Fellow, Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research 2004

Comprehensive Member, University of Arizona Cancer Center 2004

The Outstanding Clinical Care Award, American Psychosocial Oncology Society 2008

Academic Information
Fellowship: 
Child Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, 1989- 1991
Residency: 
Family Medicine, York Hospital, York, Pennsylvania and Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington, New Jersey 1979-1982
Medical School: 
University of Iowa, 1979
Undergraduate School: 
University of Northern Iowa, B.S. in Chemistry, 1975