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RESEARCH

If you want to participate as a volunteer or contribute to any of the below studies, please contact Michael.Mackinley@lhsc.on.ca

TOPSY - Tracking Outcomes of Psychosis: This longitudinal 7T MRI study is aimed at determining the link between glutamate abnormalities, myelination defects, thought disorder and functional outcomes in psychosis. We are undertaking a comprehenisve bio-assay that includes gut microbiome quantification as well as genetic testing. This study is conducted in collaboration with service users and providers at PEPP clinic, Dr. Jean Theberge, Dr. Ali Khan, Dr. Ravi Menon, Dr. Joe Gati, Dr. Ingrid Johnsrude, Dr. Rob Hegele, Dr. Michael Silverman & Dr. Jeremy Burton. This study is funded by a Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) Foundation Grant.

PROSPECT - Prodromal Symptoms in Psychosis Study: We have established a PEPP-based prevention clinic aimed at identifying patients at a high-risk of psychosis for follow-up care and support using neuroimaging markers.This study is funded by the Academic Medical Organization of Southwestern Ontario (AMOSO)

If you are seeking more information about these studies or have patient referrals, please contact Betsy.Schaefer@lhsc.on.ca

Cannabis, Brain Wiring and Early Stages of Psychosis - In collaboration with the Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program (Dr. Phil Tibbo and colleagues) and the Computational Imaging Lab (Dr. Ali Khan) at Robarts, we are now studying the effect of marijuana on the insulation that supports brain circuits (myelin) in patients experiencing early stages of psychosis. This study is funded by a Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) Project Grant.

IMproved Personalized Medicine through Deep Learning in Mental Disorders - In collaboration with Heidelberg University-Mannheim, Germany (E. Schwarz), University of Munich- Munich, Germany (A. Hasan, N. Koutsouleris and D. Dwyer) and 4 other European partners (Norway, The Netherlands and France), we are attempting to translate biological subgroup information to personalize treatments offered to patients with schizophrenia. This study brings a novel brain stimulation (rTMS) treatment for the first time to Londoners suffering from negative symptoms of schizophrenia. This study is jointly funded by the European Commission (Horizon 2020) and the CIHR.

Previous Studies:

DiME - Molecular Imaging of Brain Inflammation In Depressive Disorders: In collaboration with the Mood Disorder Program at Parkwood (Dr. Burhan) and the PET imaging team (Dr. St.Lawrence, Dr. Finger) and NeuroPiL imaging team (Dr. Theberge) at Lawson, we are undertaking a study that examines the role of neuroinflammation and excitotoxic brain damage in the phenomenon of treatment resistance in depression.
This study is funded by a Lawson Strategic Research Award.