Our Research. |
Characterizing the Biology of Suicide Ideation and Attempts Using Neuroimaging and Peripheral MarkersThis multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study investigates potential associations between neurobiological and clinical risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviours in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Suicidal ideation is a common feature in patients with severe depression, yet despite its high prevalence, little is known about its biological underpinnings and few treatments are available. Since clinical risk factors alone can be relatively poor predictors of suicide, the examination of potential neurobiological risk factors may provide further understanding of suicide risk. This research uses MRI to investigate structural, functional and biochemical brain biomarkers in conjunction with measurement of peripheral biomarkers including pro-inflammatory cytokines and lipidomics.
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Identifying Biomarkers of Treatment Response to KetamineTwo major unmet needs for the treatment of major depressive episodes are the low response rates to existing antidepressant strategies and their delayed onset of therapeutic action; ketamine appears poised to met these needs. This line of research investigates the efficacy of subanaesthetic doses of intravenous ketamine and intranasal esketamine for the alleviation of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in patients with resistant depression. This work is paired with exploration of medical, molecular, and neuroimaging biomarkers that may predict patient response to ketamine and elucidate underlying antidepressant mechanisms.
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Harnessing Electronic Medical Records and Machine Learning for Suicide PreventionThis research uses electronic medical record (EMR) data derived from inpatient psychiatric admissions to investigate risk factors associated with suicide plans and attempts and prediction of post-discharge suicide risk. We aim to develop, validate and implement machine learning algorithms to predict post-discharge suicide attempt risk for individuals admitted to inpatient psychiatric units deemed at elevated risk of suicide. Pairing population health data with EMR data collected during inpatient stays in psychiatric facilities, we are examining clinical and psychosocial factors affecting outcomes with a focus on identifying sex-based risk factors for suicide attempts.
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The Impact of COVID-19 on the Medical Education and Mental Health of Medical TraineesThis CIHR-funded research examines how the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is affecting medical training, and trainee mental health and service needs. In their unique role as both physicians and medical learners, medical residents represent a key at risk group for experiencing mental health impacts amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a comprehensive online survey we aim to better identify predictive factors associated with emergence of mental health symptoms in Canadian medical residents during the pandemic. We are also conducting qualitative interviews to permit in-depth exploration of the pandemic’s mental health impact and trainee perspectives of its effects on their medical education.
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