Despite improved mental health challenges post-pandemic, Ontario students still face elevated stress, excessive screen time, and online gambling concerns. Drug use continues to decline, but barriers to seeking mental health support persist, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and targeted prevention initiatives.
Researchers have discovered significant dopamine system injury in the brains of long COVID patients, associated with fatigue, brain fog, and memory difficulties. The findings suggest new potential treatment strategies targeting dopamine-releasing neurons.
A large clinical trial found that magnetic seizure therapy is as effective as electroconvulsive therapy in improving depressive symptoms, with fewer cognitive side effects. The therapy could become a new standard option for people with severe depression.
A new study from CAMH reveals that AI models used to predict aggressive incidents in psychiatric care can amplify existing social and structural inequities. The model showed higher false positive rates for Black and Middle Eastern individuals, men, and those with unstable housing, potentially leading to more distress and loss of trust.
Researchers from CAMH and RWTH Aachen deciphered the molecular signature of sleeping nociceptors, a type of pain-sensing nerve cell that drives chronic pain. The findings reveal specific molecular hallmarks, including OSMR and Nav1.9, which could lead to the development of targeted therapies.
A Canadian-led research team has received nearly $800,000 in new funding to advance a promising therapy for multiple sclerosis. The novel approach targets excitotoxicity, a destructive process that harms nerve cells in MS, and aims to repair myelin and improve nerve recovery.
A new study reveals promising progress toward predicting how patients with major depressive disorder will respond to antidepressant medications. Brain connectivity patterns were found to significantly improve predictions of treatment response across two large, independent clinical trials.
A new drug developed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has shown significant promise in reversing memory loss in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The drug, GL-II-73, selectively targets GABA receptors to restore brain function and repair damaged neural connections.
A recent study published in Social Science & Medicine reveals the complexities of conducting cannabis research in Canada, where researchers face structural barriers and concerns about scientific integrity. The study suggests key solutions to increase public funding, enhance transparency, and promote independence in research.
A new study led by CAMH shows that a combination of therapies can slow cognitive decline in older adults with conditions increasing the risk of dementia. Participants receiving Cognitive Remediation plus transcranial direct current stimulation experienced slower cognitive decline compared to those receiving a control intervention.
A new study from CAMH and Pakistan researchers demonstrates the effectiveness of an integrated psychosocial intervention in improving paternal mental health and child development outcomes. The intervention improved depressive symptoms, household dynamics, and child social and emotional development in a cohort of Pakistani fathers.
A nationwide cohort study in France found that individuals with alcohol dependence who undergo rehabilitation or maintain abstinence experience a nearly 40% reduction in certain types of cancers. The study highlights the effectiveness of treatment strategies in combating cancer risks linked to alcohol dependence.
A new study by CAMH found that nearly 75% of young Ontarians with a psychotic disorder had at least one mental health service visit within three years prior to their first diagnosis. The study suggests that youth with a psychotic disorder are nearly four times as likely to have a previous mental health-related hospital admission.
A new study confirms a novel natural supplement prevents postpartum blues and reduces symptoms of depression after giving birth. The supplement, developed at CAMH, involves a patented combination of natural ingredients that support healthy mood and brain function.
A small molecule drug compound has shown promise in treating multiple sclerosis by targeting the glutamate system, reducing MS-like symptoms and repairing damaged myelin. The results come from a CAMH-led pre-clinical study published in Science Advances.
Researchers confirm increased protein marker of inflammation in long COVID patients' brains, impacting depression and cognitive symptoms. CAMH study provides hope for new treatments using anti-inflammatory medications.
A CAMH-led study found that the probability of using a gun as a means of suicide among Americans increases with alcohol consumption. The study suggests that responsible gun ownership and awareness of alcohol's increased risk are crucial in preventing gun-involved suicides.
A CAMH-led study examines national suicide rates in 33 countries over 20 years, identifying eight population-level factors associated with suicide rates. The study highlights the importance of considering gender differences when developing suicide risk reduction initiatives.
A new study reveals that police involvement in student mental health transfers at Ontario universities differs significantly, with some universities using handcuffs routinely and others reserving them for rare circumstances. The study recommends engaging police only in high-risk situations to minimize restraints during transfers.
A new study found that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) significantly reduced the risk of suicide among patients with depression in the year following hospitalization. The study, which analyzed data from over 67,000 patients, showed a 50% lower risk of suicide among those who received ECT compared to those who did not.
A recent study published in Translational Psychiatry found that pharmacogenetic testing significantly improved symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The study involved 276 patients and showed a nearly two-fold increase in remission rates compared to treatment as usual.
A CAMH-led study found that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) reduced self-reported cannabis use by up to 60% among people with schizophrenia and CUD. The treatment was associated with reduced cravings and improved quality of life.
A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that internet-based smoking cessation interventions using prescription pharmacotherapy were as effective as in-person clinical trials. Up to a third of participants achieved smoke-free status after 12 weeks, with quit rates substantially higher than unassisted attempts.
A new study by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reveals an association between trans individuals' need for acute mental health care and experiences of marginalization. Transgender individuals who access acute mental health care are twice as likely to be diagnosed with personality disorders than the general population.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that people with mental illnesses have poorer sleep quality compared to the general population. The study analyzed data from 89,205 participants and discovered significant differences in sleep patterns, including increased waking frequency and duration.
A CAMH-led study found that 36% of Toronto-area LGBTQ2S youth experiencing homelessness have attempted suicide since the pandemic began. The study highlights the need for more inclusive and population-based access to life-saving health and social support services for this group.
A new WHO study found an association between alcohol consumption and a substantially higher risk of several forms of cancer, including breast, colon, and oral cancers. In Canada, alcohol use was linked to 7,000 new cases of cancer in 2020.
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medically safe mental health intervention for individuals with severe depression. The research, which analyzed over 10,000 patients, found no clinically significant increased risk of serious medical events with ECT exposure.
A new CAMH survey found that nearly half of regular drug users reported increased substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many citing difficulty accessing safe supply programs. The study highlights the need for improved supports and services to mitigate risks associated with substance use.
A new study published in Translational Psychiatry reveals that individuals with high genetic predisposition to schizophrenia are disproportionately affected by cannabis use, experiencing a 60% higher risk of psychotic experiences. Cannabis users, compared to non-users, have higher rates of psychotic experiences across the board.
A new longitudinal study published in JAMA Open suggests that 80% of children with autism experience growth or proficiency in at least one developmental domain by mid childhood. The study also found that 23% of children are doing well in four or more domains, highlighting a strengths-based approach to autism assessment.
A new international research project aims to evaluate the impact of alcohol control policies on morbidity and mortality in Lithuania and other Baltic states. The study, led by CAMH and the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, will investigate the effectiveness of policy interventions implemented between 2016 and 2018.
A study of 75,000 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders found that those who experienced a mood disorder or hospitalization prior to diagnosis were at the highest risk for suicide. The researchers suggest increasing age limits for first episode psychosis programs and extending clinical follow-up care as potential solutions.
A study by CAMH and ICES found that only 2-3% of patients with urgent mental health needs can access publicly-funded psychotherapist physicians. The authors suggest allowing non-physician clinicians to provide CBT as a solution to improve access.
A commonly used anti-psychotic medication has been linked to potentially adverse changes in brain structure, particularly a thinning of the cortex. The study found these changes were more prominent in elderly participants and those who experienced relapse of psychotic symptoms.
Researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health have identified a protein complex elevated in PTSD patients, which could serve as a blood-based biomarker for diagnosis and treatment. A developed peptide has been shown to prevent recall or encoding of fear memories, suggesting potential for symptom prevention or treatment.
The Housing First model significantly reduces homelessness in the long term, especially for those with high needs for mental health support services. After six years, participants in the Housing First group had stable housing an average of 85% of the time.
More than 1 million Canadians have alcohol use disorders, but most never receive professional help. Improved screening and medication are available to address this issue.
Researchers at CAMH have discovered a new target for developing treatments for depression by finding higher levels of the brain protein MAO-B in people with clinical depression. The study found that individuals with depression had 26% higher MAO-B levels in their prefrontal cortex compared to those without depression.
Researchers at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health develop new therapeutic molecules that rapidly improve memory symptoms and renew underlying brain impairments. The compounds target specific impaired brain receptors causing memory loss, reversing cognitive deficits and improving brain function.
A new multi-site brain imaging study found that people with schizophrenia-related disorders use their brains differently when imitating emotional faces, but not in categorically different ways. The study suggests a data-driven approach to identify novel biomarkers for mental health symptoms.
A new CAMH study found that nearly one in eight high school students played social casino games, which are linked with a higher risk of gambling problems among adolescents. The study also found that gameplay is associated with a greater likelihood of transitioning to monetary gambling and experiencing problem gambling.
A new study by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health suggests that an inhaled form of a high blood pressure medication may treat certain types of anxiety as well as pain. The treatment uses a short-acting nasal spray called amiloride, which targets physiological changes in brain functioning linked to anxiety and pain sensitivity.
A recent study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that over half of female students in Ontario experience moderate to serious psychological distress. The survey also revealed a strong link between technology use and mental health issues, with 20% of students spending five or more hours on social media daily.
A CAMH study reveals that people with schizophrenia have a disrupted stress response, differing from those at high risk for psychosis or healthy individuals. This discovery may provide clues into preventing schizophrenia.
A new study shows that people with schizophrenia are over-represented among those who die by suicide, particularly young people. Researchers emphasize the importance of assessing suicide risk in younger patients with schizophrenia, especially early in their illness.
A CAMH study analyzed over 1,000 brain scans to provide new insights into brain networks in people with autism. The personalized brain mapping approach showed that each person's brain has unique differences in network functioning despite sharing the same diagnosis.
A CAMH study found that bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) reduced suicidal thoughts in 40% of participants, independent of depressive symptoms. The treatment may offer hope for preventing suicide in people with hard-to-treat depression and other mental illnesses.
A new study found that a three-minute version of brain stimulation therapy is as effective as the standard 37-minute version for treating hard-to-treat depression. The therapy, called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), was shown to reduce symptoms in 49% of participants.
A new study by CAMH reveals that long-term depression causes significant brain inflammation, which may require different treatment strategies. The research suggests that the condition is not a static disease but rather progressive and requires unique therapeutics.