The 2013 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey found that one in eight students took prescription opioids recreationally, while 14% reported driving under the influence of cannabis. Hazardous drinking among youth remains a concern, with 8% reporting injuries or harming others while intoxicated.
A new study from CAMH found that people carrying the SORL1 gene for Alzheimer's disease show brain changes beginning in childhood. These changes are linked to an increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's, a condition that typically appears decades later.
A recent study found that adults with developmental disabilities, such as autism and Down syndrome, face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. The research suggests that these individuals require more comprehensive and coordinated care, including preventive measures like cancer screening, to manage their complex health issues. ...
A majority of underage students in Ontario who smoke or drink obtain their substances from friends or family members. The survey found that males are more likely to buy cigarettes from corner stores than females, while females are more likely to receive alcohol from a friend or family member.
A study found a link between early-onset Parkinson's disease and a genetic deletion on chromosome 22, shedding light on molecular changes that lead to the disease. The deletion is associated with abnormal protein accumulations in the brain and may delay diagnosis by up to 10 years.
A new report by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that two in five youth receiving services experience significant concurrent mental health and substance use problems. The study also showed that increased collaboration between service providers can enhance services for youth.
Researchers identified large rare changes in chromosome structure associated with schizophrenia, similar to those found in autism spectrum disorder. These findings suggest a potential role for clinical DNA testing in understanding the complex disease.
A study of 9,000 Ontario students found that 20% reported a traumatic brain injury in their lifetime, with sports accounting for over half the injuries. The prevalence is higher than previously thought and may be linked to mental health and substance use during adolescence.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has released a summary report highlighting the need for improved policies to address drinking behaviours in Ontario. The report recommends 10 policy improvements to decrease alcohol-related harms and costs in the province.
Researchers from CAMH found that people with mental illnesses are more than seven times more likely to use cannabis weekly compared to those without a mental illness. The study also shows that individuals with mental illness were 10 times more likely to have a cannabis use disorder.
A new imaging-genetics study from CAMH found that a specific version of the microRNA-137 gene is associated with younger age at onset and distinct brain features in patients with schizophrenia. The study suggests that developing tests to screen for this gene could help treat patients earlier and more effectively.
A new CAMH study shows that alcohol is the third leading cause of disease and injury worldwide, with vast differences in drinking patterns across regions. The research found that North Americans and Canadians drink significantly more than the global average, with a detrimental drinking pattern characterized by bingeing.
Patients attending a family practice clinic will be offered genetic testing to see how they respond to psychiatric medication. The tests, which analyze variations on five genes, can help physicians predict which medications are safe and effective for each patient.
A five-year Canadian mentoring study found that mentored children are more confident in their academic abilities, display fewer behavioral problems, and have better mental health outcomes. The study's key findings show that girls with a Big Sister are less likely to bully or exhibit negative behaviors.
A new study by CAMH found that cutting in and weaving are the most common online complaints about unsafe driving practices. The study analyzed over 5,000 entries from RoadRagers.com and found that drivers feel compelled to retaliate when slighted, leading to hostile situations.
Experts say setting minimum prices for alcohol increases health and economic benefits, with research showing a reduction in overall consumption, deaths, and hospitalizations. Heavy drinkers are targeted by pricing strategies, which can also generate revenue for the government and industry profits.
A recent CAMH Monitor survey found that 9% of young adults in Ontario drive after using cannabis, compared to 6% who drive after drinking. The survey also revealed declining rates of non-medical opioid use and increasing concerns around mental health.
Dr. Aristotle Voineskos has won the prestigious Polanyi Prize for his research combining brain imaging and genetics to improve diagnostic classification and treatment strategies for severe mental illness.
A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that less than half of Ontario youth aged 15-19 with a psychiatric diagnosis received follow-up care within a month after discharge. This lack of timely aftercare is linked to demographics, diagnoses, and socioeconomic status.
Scientists at CAMH identified a potential new approach to preventing smoking relapse by targeting brain receptors involved in nicotine exposure. The protein peptide showed promise in reducing attempts to seek nicotine in an animal model of relapse.
A new report reveals that mental illnesses and addictions have a significant impact on the health of Ontarians, with depression having the highest burden. The report highlights the need for treatment and reduced stigma to address this issue.
Researchers at CAMH found that individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to die from heart attacks, with a 56% increased mortality rate after discharge. They also receive less life-saving cardiac care compared to those without schizophrenia.
Researchers at CAMH have identified 5-hmC, an epigenetic modification of DNA, as playing a key role in the brain's plasticity. The study found that 5-hmC is highly enriched in genes related to synapses, suggesting its involvement in learning and memory.
Six CAMH researchers have received NARSAD Young Investigator Grants to investigate biological factors underlying schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and suicidal behaviour. The grants will fund research using advanced genetics, brain stimulation and brain imaging techniques, promising new treatments.
The 2011 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey reveals that psychological distress and suicidal ideation are concerns, especially among female students. Bullying and anti-social behaviour remain issues, with girls reporting being twice as likely to be cyber-bullied.
Two genetic variants have been found to be associated with rapid weight gain in patients taking antipsychotic medications. These variations near the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene may enable clinicians to identify which patients are at risk and choose strategies to prevent serious side effects.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has released comprehensive reviews of the most effective treatments for alcohol dependence, emphasizing medication and psychosocial therapies. These interventions have been shown to be effective in treating problem alcohol use and concurrent disorders.
The International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research (IJADR) aims to address the lack of addiction research in low- and middle-income countries by publishing peer-reviewed papers on cross-cultural perspectives. The journal offers a mentoring program for non-native English researchers, further enhancing its unique features.
Researchers at CAMH discovered a new form of intellectual disability linked to the NSUN2 gene mutation, affecting cognitive development and neuron functioning. The study found that this recessive disorder requires inheriting two defective genes from parents to develop intellectual disability.
A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that opioid addiction is associated with the highest risk of death, with a 5.71-fold increased risk compared to healthy individuals. The study tracked over 800,000 hospital records and found that alcohol dependence was related to the highest number of deaths overall.
A recent meta-analysis by CAMH found a complex relationship between alcohol consumption and ischaemic heart disease, with varying risks depending on gender, drinking patterns, and overall health outcomes. The study concludes that lower drinking limits for women are needed to inform safe drinking levels.
A new study from CAMH found that treatment of depression while working increases productivity, with workers experiencing moderate depression 2.5 times more likely to be highly productive compared to those without treatment.
Researchers found that people with schizophrenia showed greater brain activity during tests inducing delusional thinking, including the cortical midline structures and dopamine regions. This effect was not seen in a comparison group without schizophrenia.
The 2011 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey reveals declining teen smoking rates, with 9% of students smoking cigarettes compared to 12% in 2009. Binge drinking and driving after cannabis use remain concerns, with 22% of teens reporting hazardous drinking behaviors and 16% being drunk or high at school.
A study found that 18% of methadone maintenance therapy patients also received prescriptions for more than a week's supply of other opioids. This combination can lead to fatal consequences. The researchers recommend short-acting opioids for short periods and real-time prescription monitoring.
A Canadian study found a link between heavy methamphetamine use and an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. The research compared methamphetamine users to those with other substance dependencies and found a 1.5-3-fold higher risk of diagnosis.
A new study from CAMH found a specific gene linked to suicidal behaviour, particularly in those with the methionine variation of the gene
A CAMH study found that a specific gene combination significantly increases lung cancer risk, particularly among light smokers with two high-risk variants of the nicotine metabolic and nicotinic genes. The genetic risk was higher in lighter smokers, suggesting a need for targeted interventions to reduce lung cancer risk.
A study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that 25% of people hospitalized for depression in Ontario needed emergency care or were readmitted within 30 days. The research highlights the need for better integration of care and transition planning for patients with mental illness.
A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that heavy smokers who quit experience an increase in MAO-A levels, a mood-related brain protein. This finding may explain why heavy smokers are at high risk for clinical depression and provides potential targets to prevent sad mood during cigarette withdrawal.
A new study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that people who abused methamphetamine had a 76% higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to those with no disorder. The study analyzed nearly 300,000 hospital records in California over 16 years.
A new gene, MAN1B1, has been identified as the cause of recessive intellectual disability in five families. The gene codes an enzyme involved in quality control functions in cells, leading to faulty proteins being released into the body.
A CAMH study reveals that mental health disability leaves cost approximately $51 billion a year in Canada and recur sooner than physical health leaves. Workers who have had a previous mental health episode are at higher risk of having another one, highlighting the need for effective prevention programs to help people stay at work.
Researchers at CAMH have identified a new gene associated with Joubert syndrome, a type of intellectual disability affecting brain functioning and leading to symptoms like kidney and eye problems. The TCTN2 gene defect is linked to this condition, which affects approximately 1 in 100,000 children.
Researchers have discovered a link between a variation of the BDNF gene and Alzheimer's disease, with those carrying the gene more likely to exhibit thinner temporal lobe structures and disrupted neural connections. This breakthrough study could lead to early identification and intervention for the disease.
A workplace's key employees may be at greatest risk of experiencing high levels of work stress. Workers who feel responsible for poor job performance or think it could negatively affect others are twice as likely to report high stress.
Seven CAMH scientists receive NARSAD Young Investigator awards to conduct genetic, clinical, and neuroimaging studies guiding future treatments and personalized approaches for schizophrenia and depression. The research aims to enhance treatments and improve the lives of people living with mental illness.
Researchers at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health have developed a protein peptide that disrupts coupling between dopamine receptors, potentially treating depression. The peptide showed marked improvement in depression-related behaviors in animal models, comparable to traditional anti-depressant medications.
A new study from CAMH found that contraband cigarettes account for 43% of all cigarettes consumed by Ontario high school daily smokers in grades 9 to 12. Youth are more likely to afford and access these lower-priced, unregulated products due to their affordability and lack of restrictions on purchase.
New research from CAMH and SickKids reveals that males with specific alterations of DNA on their X-chromosome are at high risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study found mutations in the PTCHD1 gene, which may disrupt brain development and contribute to autism.