James R. Merikangas, M.D. is a Neuropsychiatrist, co-founder of the American Neuropsychiatric Association and former president of the American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrists. He is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and trained in both Neurology and Psychiatry at Yale. He is board certified in each of those specialties.

Primarily a practicing clinician, Dr. Merikangas established the EEG laboratory at the Western Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Pittsburgh, where he also established the Neurodiagnostic Clinic and directed the Psychiatric Emergency room. Currently he is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at The George Washington University School of Health Sciences and a consultant in research at the National Institutes of Mental Health.

Dr. Merikangas has been a dedicated teacher and mentor throughout his career. He has received numerous professional honors, including Elected Distinguished Life Fellow, American Psychiatric Association, Elected Consultant of the Scientific Program Committee, American Psychiatric Association, Elected Representative of District Branch in Assembly, American Psychiatric Association, and Elected Fellow, American Neuropsychiatric Association.

Prior to his current clinical and forensic practices, Dr. Merikangas held faculty appointments at several institutions including Yale-New Haven Hospital, Georgetown University Hospital, The George Washington University Hospital, the Suburban Hospital (Bethesda, MD), and the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Washington, D.C. Dr. Merikangas has consulted extensively to hospitals, universities, and state and federal courts and agencies.

In addition to serving as an active member on a number of boards and committees, Dr. Merikangas is currently an Examiner for the National Board of Medical Examiners, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
His vast interest in the causes and prevention of violent behavior, has led to the neuropsychiatric evaluation of murderers in 28 state prisons, and pioneering the use of brain imaging in the understanding of violent crimes. Other forensic interests include brain injury, toxic exposures and psychiatric trauma as an expert for both plaintiffs and defense, including for the U.S. Department of Justice.
Dr. Merikangas has authored many articles and chapters on these and other topics, served as an editorial reviewer, and has lectured nationally and internationally.