Mental Health and Addictions

Mental illness and addiction have devastating effects on those afflicted as well as their loved ones. The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health is at the forefront of research into the biological mechanisms that underlie mental health conditions such as depression and schizophrenia, and addictions such as gambling and opioid addiction. Investigators at the Centre are also determining factors that contribute to resilience, enabling people to overcome emotional trauma and stress and maintain mental health. Research spans from foundational science that explores the genetic, brain connections and environmental factors that might predispose a person to these conditions, to translational work that moves research from bench to bedside.

By gaining a better understanding of the neurobiology underlying risky decisions and mood disorders, we hope to develop new strategies to treat, manage and prevent addiction and mental illness.