A nationwide observational study of over one million adults with dementia found that alcohol use disorders are the most important preventable risk factors for dementia. Chronic heavy drinking was linked to 57% of early-onset dementia cases, highlighting the need for screening and treatment interventions.
Ontario students are drinking, smoking, and using drugs at the lowest rates since the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey began. However, new data on fentanyl use raises health risks for this potent opioid drug.
A CAMH study found that people with early Alzheimer's disease have lower brain plasticity in the frontal lobes, leading to poorer working memory and recall ability. Researchers believe impaired brain plasticity may be a future target for treatment or prevention of dementia.
A new CAMH study found that people unaware of their memory loss are more likely to progress to Alzheimer's disease. Those aware of memory problems are unlikely to develop dementia. The study used PET brain scans to identify specific brain regions affected in impaired illness awareness.
A new Ontario study found that people with schizophrenia are dying younger due to poorer physical health care over their lifespan. The study showed that individuals with schizophrenia had higher rates of death from cardiovascular diseases and chronic medical conditions.
A six-year Canadian study found that 39% of Ontario adults with IDD were dispensed antipsychotic medication, with 29% not having a documented psychiatric diagnosis. The study highlights the need for better prescribing practices and monitoring to ensure appropriate use in this vulnerable population.
A new study by CAMH estimates nearly 8 out of 1,000 children globally have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The prevalence varies by country, with Eastern Mediterranean Region having the highest levels at nearly 20 cases per 1,000 children.
The guidelines, endorsed by Canadian medical and public health organizations, offer concrete recommendations to mitigate the risks of cannabis use. They address key areas such as abstaining from cannabis, mitigating risks for young Canadians, and harm reduction strategies.
A new brain imaging study by CAMH researchers shows that brain inflammation is more than 30% higher in people with OCD compared to those without the condition. The study provides compelling evidence for a new potential direction for treating this anxiety disorder.
A study identified 26 new genes linked to intellectual disability, significantly affecting patients' health and lifespan. The research adds to the growing knowledge of brain development and functioning, potentially leading to personalized treatments for affected individuals.
A balance test that stimulates part of the brain with cold water has shown promising results in improving insight into illness in people with schizophrenia. The study found that cold water in one ear increased patients' awareness and insight into their condition, while cold water in the other ear worsened it.
A nutritional supplement kit, developed to counter mood-altering brain changes linked to depression, virtually eliminated the 'baby blues' among women. The kit, consisting of three supplements, was found to reduce depressive symptoms and increase resilience against sad events.
A study by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that implementing a completely tobacco-free environment led to positive changes in attitudes and reduced patient agitation. The findings also showed no change in fire-related incidents.
A study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health estimates that nearly 10% of women drink alcohol during pregnancy worldwide, leading to an estimated 119,000 cases of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome annually. The study also found that nearly 15 people per 10,000 have FAS globally.
Researchers discovered that immigrant populations have altered brain chemistry, specifically higher levels of dopamine, which can increase the risk of schizophrenia. The study suggests that social stress is a key factor contributing to this increased risk, and targeted interventions may help mitigate it.
A new study finds that middle-aged patients with psychosis are incurring significant costs in long-term care facilities and with hospitalization, highlighting the need to address both mental and physical health in younger patients. Chronic psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, are associated with high health care costs due to you...
A new Canadian study found that increasing psychiatrists in Ontario did not significantly improve access to psychiatric care. Despite a 17% increase in practicing psychiatrists, demand for services continued to outpace supply.
A new review suggests that reducing the alcohol content of beer or other drinks could lower blood alcohol levels in drinkers, leading to fewer injuries and chronic diseases. The researchers found no evidence that drinkers can distinguish between beers of different strengths, making weaker beer a viable alternative.
Researchers found similar brain impairments in children with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The study linked these impairments to symptoms that occur across different conditions.
A recent survey by CAMH found that 328,000 Ontario students in grades 7-12 reported moderate-to-serious psychological distress, with girls twice as likely to experience it. The survey also highlighted concerns around screen time, social media use, and problem gaming, which are contributing to the rising levels of distress.
A strong majority of Ontarians support government-controlled options for producing and selling cannabis, with nearly two-thirds backing sales in government-regulated outlets. The survey also found growing support for liberalizing recreational cannabis use, with over half supporting legalization.
A new study on lactose intolerance may provide insights into the origin of schizophrenia and other complex mental illnesses. Epigenetic factors that build up over time in individuals with genetic predisposition can lead to delayed onset of symptoms.
A new evidence-based toolkit will help family health teams in Ontario provide more proactive care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The toolkit includes a four-step process to implement health checks, resources for clinicians and patients, and examples of how to embed the tools into Electronic Medical Records.
A study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that nearly 10% of Canadian teens gamble online, while 42% report gambling in any form. The study highlights concerns about problem gambling among youth who engage in both online and offline activities.
A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reveals that policy changes in three countries led to significant declines or gains in life expectancy. The research found that effective substance use policies can reverse declining trends, while failed policies can lead to abrupt and drastic drops in life expectancy.
A study found a significant increase in mental health-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and office-based services among children and youth in Ontario, Canada. Anxiety disorders were the most common reason for these visits, accounting for 47% of the total increase.
A randomized clinical trial found that mailing free nicotine patches to smokers without behavioral support can lead to higher quit rates compared to no intervention. Approximately 8% of participants who received patches reported being abstinent for the past 30 days.
A new study by CAMH and ICES found that heavy users of mental health care account for 88% of total costs, with psychiatric hospitalizations and visits to doctors making up the majority. The average cost of healthcare used by these individuals is 30% higher than others.
Researchers identified 428 disease conditions that co-occur with FASD, including severe cases of hearing loss and impaired vision. The study underscores the importance of eliminating alcohol consumption during pregnancy to prevent these disabilities.
According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) survey, Ontario students reported high levels of hazardous drinking, with 29% of 12th graders engaging in hazardous drinking. The survey also found that more students used electronic cigarettes than tobacco cigarettes.
A study by CAMH found that 52.8% of workers with significant depressive symptoms did not recognize a need for help, leading to a 33% decrease in work productivity if this barrier is removed. Employers can target these barriers to increase the use of mental health services among workers.
A multicentre clinical trial found that adding an antipsychotic medication to treatment for depression in older adults significantly improves symptoms and reduces the risk of suicidal thoughts. The study showed a 44% remission rate for treatment-resistant patients, compared to 29% with a placebo.
A study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that individuals with a genetic subtype of schizophrenia who were born with low birth weight or prematurely had nearly one in two risk of developing schizophrenia. This is compared to those without schizophrenia, where the risk was lower.
A new study found that immigrants from the Caribbean, Bermuda, East Africa, and South Asia are at a higher risk of psychotic disorders, with a 1.5 to 2 times increased risk compared to the general population. In contrast, immigrants from Northern Europe, Southern Europe, and East Asia had about half the risk.
A new study by CAMH reveals that people with severe schizophrenia have distinct differences in their brain networks compared to those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and healthy individuals. The research provides strong evidence that schizophrenia is not one but rather multiple brain disorders.
A promising new approach to treat multiple sclerosis has been discovered by scientists at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. They identified a previously unknown change in the spinal cord related to MS and developed a peptide that disrupts this change, leading to major improvements in neurological functioning.
Researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found a significant elevation of brain inflammation in people with clinical depression. Brain scans revealed increased activation of immune cells, which play a key role in the brain's inflammatory response.
A CAMH survey found that nearly four in 10 workers are reluctant to disclose mental health problems to their managers, citing concerns about career impact and stigma. However, the study also reveals that supportive policies and positive relationships with managers can encourage disclosure and create a more supportive work environment.
Researchers found that 'normal' metabolizers had better quit rates with varenicline versus the nicotine patch, while slow metabolizers could benefit from the patch. The study suggests tailoring treatment to an individual's nicotine breakdown speed may be a viable strategy to improve quit rates.
Scientists at CAMH have discovered a novel drug target that could lead to better antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia patients. The discovery, led by Dr. Fang Liu, identifies a protein combination that disrupts symptoms without side-effects.
A CAMH survey found that 2.2% of Ontario adults seriously contemplated suicide in the last year, with significant increases in self-rated poor mental health and cannabis use. The report also showed declining rates of non-medical prescription opioid use and a decrease in smoking prevalence.
A new study found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy significantly reduced non-mental health care visits among patients who were high health service users. Over eight years, this translates to a reduction of nearly 2,500 visits to primary care physicians, emergency departments, or non-psychiatric specialists in Ontario.
New study reveals a significant relationship between motivational deficit and poor cognitive performance in people with schizophrenia. Lower levels of motivation are associated with greater cognitive impairment, suggesting that understanding the impact of motivational impairment is crucial for improving treatments.
A multinational collaboration has identified over 100 locations in the human genome associated with schizophrenia risk, shedding light on biological mechanisms and pathways. The study could lead to new approaches to treating the disorder, which has seen little innovation in drug development for over 60 years.
The Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey found that over one-third of licensed drivers in grades 10 to 12 reported texting while driving, with 46% of grade 12 students admitting to this behavior. The survey also revealed alarming trends in risk behaviors, physical health, mental health, and home life among Ontario students.
A recent study by CAMH found that pre-menopausal women have higher levels of a brain protein called monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A), linked to depression. MAO-A breaks down brain chemicals that help regulate mood. The study suggests new opportunities for prevention, including dietary supplements and hormone replacement therapy.
Two new genes, FBXO31 and METTL23, have been identified as contributors to intellectual disability. The studies provide insights into the genetic factors underlying this complex condition.
Researchers at CAMH have developed a nasal spray that delivers a peptide to treat depression, providing an alternative therapeutic approach. The peptide treatment interferes with dopamine receptors, leading to anti-depressant effects and showing potential in relieving symptoms.
The International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research releases a special issue on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), highlighting its negative effects and need for recognition. Studies from various countries explore prevention, treatment, and care for individuals with FASD.
A multi-site US-Canada study found that antidepressant citalopram significantly relieved symptoms of agitation in Alzheimer's patients and reduced caregivers' stress levels. The study involved 186 patients with Alzheimer's disease who showed no relief from non-medication therapies or antipsychotic drugs.