Support Schizophrenia Research
Mental illness affects up to 20% of Canadians, impacting not only on the person afflicted, but also their broader community. Schizophrenia and psychotic episodes, which affect up to 3% of the population, can be particularly devastating given the early age of onset, poor response to treatment, financial burden, and high risk of suicide. Stigma and social isolation also present a serious barrier to diagnosis and treatment, which is particularly detrimental in an illness that requires early diagnosis and consistent monitoring to ensure the best outcomes.
Situated in the UBC Department of Psychiatry, the Cognitive Neuroscience of Schizophrenia (CNoS) lab is committed to advancing our understanding of and developing new treatments for these devastating diseases. One of the main projects being carried out by CNoS involves two new non-pharmaceutical group therapies – Metacognitive Training and Cognitive Remediation. Our current project addresses thinking difficulties that have been identified in those who experience psychosis and measures changes that may occur in the brain as a result of participating in these forms of group therapy. Previous international research has proven that these therapies can improve an individuals’ daily life, reduce some of the symptoms associated with psychosis, and bring strength and organization back to the brain networks affected in psychosis. Our study will be the first to provide neuroimaging results that can identify specifically what brain changes are associated with the improvements seen.
Our team is unique in that we offer clinical therapies that would otherwise not be available to individuals with psychosis, and we make these services available throughout Vancouver, free of charge. We are currently collaborating with Vancouver Coastal Health’s Outpatient Mental Health Teams to ensure that their patients are aware and invited to participate in non-pharmaceutical therapies that could improve their quality of life. Not only are we carrying out research, but we are also giving back to our community by providing free therapy and psychoeducation.
In order to continue conducting innovative research on potential treatments for mental illness, CNoS is urgently seeking philanthropic support to cover the costs associated with running this and future studies. We invite you to join the CNoS team in its mission to raise awareness and to improve the quality of life for those living with mental illness. Your donation will support a dynamic team who are conducting cutting-edge research to advance our understanding of and ability to treat conditions like schizophrenia and psychosis..
To support CNoS, please contact Erin Bartlett:
Erin Bartlett
Development Officer
Faculty of Medicine
The University of British Columbia | Vancouver Campus
317-2194 Health Sciences Mall | Vancouver BC | V6T1Z3 Canada
Phone 604 827 4997 | Cell 778 998 6114 | Fax 604 822 6061
erin.bartlett@ubc.ca