Environmental Adversity, Neurodevelopment, and Mental Health Archives

Different Genes, Different Risks: Separating Disease Susceptibility from Response to Childhood Adversity

Along with her team, Dr. Patricia Silveira, a researcher at the Douglas Research Centre and Associate Professor at McGill University’s Department of Psychiatry, has just published an article investigating gene variants associated with common diseases, considering the effects of emotional abuse and neglect. KEY TAKE-AWAYS This study asked whether the genetic variants that increase risk … Read more

Which childhood abuse survivors are at elevated risk of depression? – Dr. Patricia Silveira

In a study published in the journal eBioMedicine, Dr. Patricia Silveira reveals a major breakthrough in understanding the biological mechanisms of depression. His team identified a specific gene activity pattern linked to synaptic function which, when combined with childhood trauma, significantly increases the risk of depression in women. This discovery could help identify those most … Read more

Marked increase in psychosis among young people, concerns about cannabis – Drs. Srividya Iyer and Romina Mizrahi

In an article in La Presse reporting the worrying results of a study conducted in Ontario on the increase in cannabis-related psychosis among young people, Drs. Srividya Iyer and Romina Mizrahi share their expertise. They stress the urgency of early detection to prevent long-term consequences on young people’s development. « Cannabis plays an important role, … Read more

Finding potential danger signs in young brains – Dr. Cecilia Flores

In an article published by McGill News, Dr. Cecilia Flores, a principal investigator at the Douglas Research Centre, discusses a breakthrough in identifying adolescent depression. Her team has discovered a specific set of blood-based biomarkers—microRNAs—that could provide an objective way to detect depression risk in teenagers. By identifying these “danger signs” early, clinicians could intervene … Read more

Brain discovery opens door to earlier detection of metabolic syndrome in women

December 9, 2025 Researchers develop a method to measure insulin function in the brain and find patterns that can identify women at higher riseAdapted from story written by Keila DePape Dr. Patricia Pelufo Silveira in collaboration with Dr. Angela Marcela Jaramillo-Ospinaes, has identified a brain function that helps explain why childhood stress raises metabolic health … Read more

Key genes linked to addiction discovered – Dr Rabin quoted

This article published in La Presse discusses a recent study conducted by an Ontario researcher who has identified genes associated with cannabis addiction. The article also cites the study conducted by Drs Rachel Rabin and Romina Mizrahi, which identified a molecule that makes it very difficult for cigarette smokers to quit smoking cannabis. ” Cannabis … Read more

Dr. Romina Mizrahi appointed Director of the McGill Research Centre for Cannabis

Montreal, November 14, 2025 Dr. Romina Mizrahi has been appointed as the new Director of the McGill Research Centre for Cannabis (MRCC). In her new role, Dr. Mizrahi will oversee strategic initiatives in research, funding, partnerships, and innovation, guiding the centre’s efforts to advance scientific understanding and practical applications of cannabis. The MRCC is recognized … Read more

Dr. Michael Meaney Elected to the National Academy of Medicine

October 20, 2025 The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) announced today the election of 90 regular members and 10 international members during its annual meeting. The Douglas Research Centre is pleased to announce that Dr. Michael Meaney is among the newly elected members. Dr. Meaney is widely credited with launching the field of behavioral epigenetics … Read more

Trainee award winners at Research Day 2025

The Douglas Research Centre and the Department of Psychiatry of McGill University held their annual Research Day on Thursday, June 19, 2025. As every year, the participation and contribution of many trainees, researchers and volunteers ensured the success of this event! Many short and long oral presentations were given throughout the day, as well as … Read more

For people at risk of psychosis, cannabis use can be dangerous – Dr Mizrahi

What are the effects of cannabis on the brains of youth at risk of psychosis? This is the question explored by Dr Romina Mizrahi in this article published on the CIHR website. Her study aims to better understand the impact of early cannabis use on the synaptic density of the brain in young people showing … Read more