Clinical studies

We want to understand how the brain supports language and communication, and why this process can sometimes become disrupted in people experiencing psychosis. Difficulties with organizing speech can make social interactions harder and contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. By studying brain activity and language patterns in people with and without psychosis, we … Read more

We are interested in investigating the efficacy of CBD (cannabidiol) in improving symptoms of bipolar disorder and quality of life in individuals diagnosed with Bipolar I or II currently experiencing a depressive episode and have not responded to other treatments.

We are interested in evaluating the efficacy of brexipiprazole (Rexulti) medication in improving bipolar depression symptoms and quality of life. Participants will be prescribed medication and regularly followed by a study clinician for 8 weeks, with the possibility of extending to 12 weeks and 6 months for those who respond well to the treatment.

We are interested in investigating sleep patterns in those with bipolar disorder to better identify bipolar subtypes with the goal of improving treatment outcomes. The study is one year long, with regular visits throughout the year.

We want to study how people communicate and think by collecting speech samples during online tasks. This is important for several reasons. First, it helps us understand how thinking skills relate to everyday speech in healthy people. In those with mental health conditions, thinking skills are often affected. If we identify which aspects of communication … Read more

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is often a warning sign – it sits between normal aging and dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD). But what if we could slow or even reverse its effects? This study aims to test whether a 12-week spatial memory training program can strengthen memory by stimulating the hippocampus, a key brain region … Read more

Depression is a common illness. There are many pharmacological and psychological treatments for depression, but we do not yet know which treatment will work for whom. Treatment choice may be most important when someone experiences depression for the first time. Can we match treatment to a person in a way that makes it likely that … Read more

Title of the study : Understanding academic readiness and behaviour in preschool children through brain imaging This study looks at academic readiness and behaviour in preschool children through brain imaging.  

This pilot study aims to look at the effects of employment on cognitive performance through modifications of self-esteem and self-stigma across time in individuals living with bipolar disorder.    

Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), researcher Martin Lepage and his team are looking at memory and its relationship to the brain.    

A study on Virtual Reality for therapy aimed to Inuit living in Montreal.      

iCogCA is a national effort to implement online psychological interventions. The aim is to promote and improve cognitive health in people with psychosis.    

Have you received care from the prevention and early intervention program for psychosis at the Douglas Institute before 2018 (PEPP Clinic)? We want to hear from you!    

We are seeking participants for a study investigating the relationship between nicotine use/tobacco use and the brain. We are looking for participants who currently use nicotine (vape) or tobacco (cigarettes) daily.

(Behavioral development, Long-term Outcomes and Opportunities to optimize youth Mental health trajectories) from the Centre of excellence in Youth Mental Health We are seeking participants for the BLOOM study to better understand mental health in young people. Our primary goal is to identify factors that could have a negative or positive impact on the mental … Read more

People with schizophrenia often struggle with social interaction. At the center of this struggle is a symptom called disorganized communication. This symptom presents as incoherent speech, inappropriate emotions, repetitive words, and unpredictable behaviours. 

We are seeking participants for a study investigating the relationship between cannabis use, memory, and the brain. We are looking for both cannabis users and non-cannabis users. The study will take place over the course of 4 weeks, twice weekly.

Principal Investigator : Dre Sylvia Villeneuve Co-director : Dr Judes Poirier