Dr. Romina Mizrahi will use a brain imaging technique developed at CAMH to "see" brain inflammation levels in people with schizophrenia. This will be useful to test new treatment strategies and understand how inflammation relates to the severity of schizophrenia.

Dr. Tarek Rajji will study the effects of a brain stimulation technique to enhance brain plasticity, and consequently address attention and memory problems, in people with schizophrenia. Deficits with these complex thinking processes are common features of the illness, and improvements could enhance individuals' ability to function in society as well as their overall quality of life.

Dr. Arun Tiwari's research will examine the role that genes play on side effects that some people with schizophrenia experience after taking antipsychotic medicines. Understanding the genetic causes of the side effects that lead to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and other related symptoms will help predict who is at risk and which medications to take.

Dr. Aristotle Voineskos will conduct research on a brain stimulation treatment among people with schizophrenia to improve "working memory" deficits, which can lead to improvements in real-world function. In addition, he will examine whether specific genes predict someone's response to this treatment, in an attempt to personalize treatments for each individual.

Source: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health