Five innovative research projects funded through the annual University Medical Research Fund (UMRF) grant competition will improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health and substance use health challenges, while increasing access to care.
Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients!
The UMRF grant competition is made possible by contributions from the members of The Royal’s Associates in Psychiatry, and was established to foster novel, multi-and inter-disciplinary research at The Royal, which closely integrates research and care, with the goal to improve care, access, quality and safety.
Thanks to UMRF funding, the teams behind these forward-thinking research projects at The Royal will be supported as they embark on cutting-edge studies to improve care, and help people with mental health and substance use needs get better, faster.
“Teams that bring together varied expertise, ideas and perspectives challenge each other to deliver innovative research that provides both hope and care for those living with mental illness,” says Dr. Florence Dzierszinski, President of the University of Ottawa Institute for Mental Health Research at The Royal. “The UMRF grant competition has enabled ground-breaking and life-changing research here at The Royal and we wish to thank the Associates for their continued contributions to fund this program.”
2022-23 UMRF Recipients
Neuroimaging biomarkers of treatment response for rapid acting interventions in depression
Funded $100,000; 2 years
Research Team: Pierre Blier (Principal Investigator), Jennifer Phillips, Natalia Jaworska, Jeanne Talbot, Patricia Burhunduli, Lisa McMurray, Reggie Taylor, Stefanie Hassel, Sophie Brunet
Despite advancements in depression treatment, many individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression are still unable to find relief. Traditional medications often take weeks to work, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), though effective, has limitations. Ketamine, a newer option, has shown rapid and sustained results with fewer downsides.
Despite the growing literature regarding ketamine and the widespread use of ECT, the ways in which ECT and ketamine produce their anti-depressant effects remain unclear. This study aims to compare how ECT and ketamine affect the brain using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Understanding the neural mechanisms of both treatments, will help to identify new ways to address treatment-resistant depression, reducing its burden on individuals and society.
Maintaining the Beneficial Effects of Esketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression with Behavioural Activation
Funded $100,000; 2 years
Research Team: Edward Horn (Principal Investigator), Jeanne Talbot, Jennifer Phillips, Glenda O'Hara, Stefan Trivunovic, Jessica Clausen, Kelly Mascioli
Depression is a leading global cause of disability, and traditional antidepressants often fall short for a significant number of individuals. Ketamine and its derivative, esketamine, have shown rapid antidepressant effects, but their benefits are short-lived. These drugs can enhance brain plasticity, creating an opportunity for more lasting improvements through psychotherapy, but to date there haven't been clinical trials combining esketamine and psychotherapy for treatment-resistant depression.
This study aims to maximize and maintain the benefits of esketamine by combining it with behavioral activation (BA) therapy. The team believes the combination will lead to quicker and more significant improvements in depressive symptoms and functional recovery compared to using esketamine alone. This innovative trial will be the first of its kind, offering the potential for longer-lasting benefits for patients. If successful, it could lead to better care at The Royal's Esketamine Service and improved guidelines for treating treatment-resistant depression with esketamine.
A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial of Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (the Feeling Safe Programme) for Psychosis
Funded $100,000, 2 years
Research Team: Deanna Mercer (Principal Investigator), Lisa Murata, Alexandra Baines, Sarah Mamane, David Attwood, Carrie Robertson, Lisa Kaitell, Jean-Laurent Domingue
Schizophrenia is a significant mental disorder affecting about 0.5% of the population. It often doesn’t respond to available medications, creating a need for alternative treatments. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a recommended treatment for individuals with schizophrenia who are treatment resistant.
The Feeling Safe Programme, a form of CBT tailored for psychosis, was developed at Oxford University, and has shown successful outcomes when delivered to individuals. To date this program has not be tested as a group treatment. Benefits of group therapy include ease of delivery, cost-effectiveness and enhanced social skills. This study aims to test the efficacy of the program offered in group format compared to usual care. Offering this treatment in a group setting would make it more accessible and benefit both clients and clinicians, while contributing to the growing body of evidence for schizophrenia treatment.
Promoting resiliency in young females through accessible & tailored mental health supports
Funded $100,000; 2 years
Research Team: Timothy Moran (Principal Investigator), Natalia Jaworska, Robyn McQuaid, Kim Matheson, Tony DeBono, Glenda O'Hara, Gretchen Conrad, Andrew Lumb
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened mental health issues in young people, with a particular impact on females aged 16-24. Substance use increased in this age group, especially among females, who also reported higher rates of trauma and co-occurring mental health problems. Depression is common among young people with substance use issues, but tailored support for females with both conditions is limited.
A novel approach that has shown promise in young people is the ‘Groups 4 Health’ (G4H) program focused on decreasing loneliness, which is central to depression and plays a role in substance use disorder. This study will compare the G4H program with standard cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), both delivered virtually. If G4H proves as effective as CBT in increasing wellbeing, it could offer a new care option for young females with depression and substance use disorders in Canada. Lessons from this research can also guide broader implementation and help develop personalized treatments for young females with mental health issues.
Adjunctive Methylphenidate extended release in patients with schizophrenia: a single-centre fixed dose cross-over open-label trial to improve functional and cognitive outcomes
Funded $100,000, 2 years
Research Team: Naista Zhand (Principal Investigator), David Attwood, Alain Labelle, Alexandra Baines, Philip Harvey, Carrie Robertson
Cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia have a substantial impact on patients' daily functioning and quality of life, but effective treatment options for these symptoms are lacking. While traditional antipsychotic medications can manage some symptoms, they fall short in addressing cognitive impairments. There is some preliminary evidence that combining psychostimulants with antipsychotics may improve cognitive symptoms, though further study is required.
This study will assess the effectiveness of combining these treatments in enhancing functioning and cognitive outcomes amongst clients from the Schizophrenia Recovery Program at The Royal. This pilot project will add to the body of evidence related to treatment for schizophrenia as well as clinical management of this patient population.