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ATTENTION: Assignment editors, health, research and science reporters
For immediate release--
2007-20
OTTAWA (TBC) - Mental health problems directly affect one in five Canadians. But all Canadians will be affected by mental illness at some point in their lives, either through a family member, friend or colleague. Several experts with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) are available to talk about different aspects related to this issue as Mental Health Awareness Week approaches from May 7 to 13, 2007.
Depression is the most widespread mental health problem and the number one cause of disability in Canada. Anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder also rank high. What is alarming is that 49% of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety did not seek medical help.
Research into mental health, the workplace and stigmaDr. Remi Quirion, based in Montreal and Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction
CIHR-funded researchers:
Vulnerability to depression during the transition from middle to late adolescenceDr. John R.Z. Abela, CIHR-funded researcher from McGill University (Montreal)
Post traumatic stress disorder and its link to mental illnessDr. Gordon Asmundson, CIHR-funded researcher from the University of Regina (Regina)
The mental health of single mothersDr. William R. Avison, CIHR-funded researcher from the University of Western Ontario (London)
Mental illness prevalence among single mothers and fathersDr. John Cairney, CIHR-funded researcher from the centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto and Canadian Research Chair for Pscychiatric Epidemiology (Toronto) and Dr. Terrance Wade, CIHR funded researcher from Brock University and Canadian Research Chair for Child and Youth Wellness (St. Catherines)
How personality and stress influence depression Dr. Kevin Chopra, CIHR-funded researcher from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Toronto)
Understanding panic disorder risks for children could lead to preventative treatmentsDr. Diana Koszycki, CIHR-funded researcher from the University of Ottawa (Ottawa)
How electroconvulsive therapy may lead to effective new depression treatmentsMs. Catherine Ogilvie, CIHR-funded researcher from the University of Ottawa (Ottawa)
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The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's agency for health research. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to catalyze its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 10,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada.
For an interview, please contact:
David CoulombeCIHR Media SpecialistTel. (Offiice): 613-941-4563Tel. (Mobile): 613-808-7526Email: mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
