We are currently conducting several studies on different aspects of depression and suicide risk. Read more about our currently active studies below:
Principal Investigator: Sakina Rizvi, PhD, MACP, RP
PhD Student: Leen Ghanayem, MSc
Research Coordinator: Hailey Wright
Seeking: Healthy adults, individuals with treatment-resistant depression, and individuals with non-treatment-resistant depression.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the dopamine network in the brain across three groups: individuals with treatment-resistant depression, individuals with non-resistant depression, and healthy controls. The study aims to better understand how dopamine functions differently across these groups.
Participation involves two brain scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), as well as cognitive tasks and clinical assessments. The total study time is approximately 7 hours.
Compensation is provided to participants who complete study procedures.
You may be eligible if you are between 25–55 years old and:
Treatment-resistant depression group:
• Are currently depressed
• Are not taking antidepressant medication
• Have not responded to at least two antidepressant medications during the current depressive episode
Non-resistant depression group:
• Are currently depressed
• Are not taking antidepressant medication
• Have previously tried antidepressant medications that were effective
Healthy control group:
• Are otherwise physically and mentally healthy
• Have no psychiatric history
For more information, email connect@asrlife.ca.
Principal Investigator: Sakina Rizvi, PhD, MACP, RP
Graduate Student: Onjoli Krywiak
Research Coordinator: Anna Kiriakidis
Seeking: Adults across Canada who are currently experiencing suicidal thoughts and would like to contribute to a mental health research study. Not currently recruiting participants located in Ontario.
The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the Brief Skills for Safer Living (B-SfSL) intervention—a one-time, online therapeutic session led by a psychotherapist that focuses on supportive, skills-based strategies for managing suicidal thoughts and increasing personal safety.
This fully virtual study includes five visits over approximately three months. Participants complete a therapeutic session, clinical interviews and questionnaires, computer-based tasks, and a feedback interview. As part of the randomized design, participants are assigned to receive the therapeutic session either shortly after enrollment or following a 3-month interval.
Compensation is provided to participants who complete study procedures.
You may be eligible if you:
• Are 18 years of age or older
• Are experiencing suicidal thoughts within the past week
• Are comfortable not receiving other psychotherapy services for a period of 3 months
Principal Investigator: Sakina Rizvi, PhD, MACP, RP
Co-Investigator: Aleksandra Lalovic, PhD, MEd, RP
Project Coordinator: Molly Hyde, PhD(c), MSc
Seeking: Adults in the Greater Toronto Area who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and have a history of childhood trauma. Currently at capacity; now accepting names for our waitlist.
The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate Integrated Suicide and Trauma Therapy (ISTT)—a 12-week therapeutic intervention designed to reduce suicidal thoughts by integrating coping-based suicide therapy with trauma-focused treatment. ISTT aims to address both current suicidality and the lasting impacts of childhood trauma that contribute to suicide risk.
This study takes place onsite at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and involves weekly therapy sessions, clinical assessments, and follow-up measures completed over 4 months.
Compensation is provided to participants who complete study procedures.
You may be eligible if you:
• Are 18 years of age or older
• Have experienced suicidal thoughts within the past week
• Have a history of childhood trauma
• Are not currently receiving psychotherapy
For more information, please contact molly.hyde@unityhealth.to.