Research Studies

We are currently conducting several studies on different aspects of depression and suicide risk. Read more about our currently active studies below:

1. Suicide Biomarker Study

Project Lead: Dr. Sakina Rizvi

The prevalence of suicide attempt among individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is about 20%. Risk for suicide attempt can be increased by many things such as negative life events, genetics, and changes in the way the body and brain function. It is most likely caused by a combination of several of these factors. Currently, we are conducting a study to identify biological risk factors for suicide attempt. Participation will involve multiple visits completing questionnaires about your mood, performing attention tests, and receiving brain imaging.

2. Effect of suicidality on social cognition

Project Lead: Dr. Katharine Dunlop

Note: This study is currently on pause. Recruitment will restart in Fall 2023.

The prevalence of suicide attempt in Major Depressive Disorder is about 20%. Risk for suicide attempt can be increased by many things such as negative life events, genetics, and changes in the way the body and brain function, and unfortunately we do not have reliable markers that predict an increased suicide risk. In this study, we will be collecting detailed information about participants’ psychiatric history and depression symptoms, as well as brain scans, over a single research visit. Our goal is to use this information to help us determine what best predicts suicide attempt history.

Please see the flyer for more information or contact Dr. Dunlop at [email protected].

3. The Family/Friends of Individuals at Risk of Suicide Training (FIRST) Program

Project leads: Drs. Sakina Rizvi, Yvonne Bergmans, and Amanda Ceniti

There is an immense lack of resources available for the friends/family of people experiencing suicide-related thoughts and/or behaviours. To address this gap, the study team aims to (1) conduct an extensive needs assessment across Canada to understand the gaps in support experienced by family/friends and people with lived experience of suicide risk, and (2) use these findings to design a novel suicide prevention training program – the FIRST Program – that is specifically tailored to the needs of friends and family.

We are currently recruiting people across Canada aged 18+ who identify with one or more of the following groups: (1) people who experience suicidal thoughts, (2) people with a history of one or more suicide attempts, (3) people who are supporting/have supported a loved one at risk of suicide, and (4) people impacted by suicide loss (1 year or more following the loss). Participation involves a brief phone screening and a single one-on-one interview conducted virtually.

Please see the flyer for more information or contact the study team at [email protected].

4. Suicide and Pain Study

Project lead: Dr. Sakina Rizvi

Currently, little evidence exists that tells us how individuals with suicidal ideation differ from those at risk for suicide attempt, illustrating the need for more biomarkers (biological features, i.e.: gene, protein) to guide treatment approach and identify new treatment avenues. This study seeks to investigate the relationship between the brain’s pain perception system and suicidality, in order to identify potential predictors of suicide risk. Participation involves completion of questionnaires, tasks measuring attention, memory and reward, & a brain scan.

We are currently recruiting people aged 18-70 who meet criteria for one the following groups:

(1) individuals with no psychiatric history (i.e. healthy controls). For more information, see the flyer here.

(2) individuals currently contemplating suicide. For more information, see the flyer here.

For more information, see the flyers linked above or contact Jennifer at Jennifer[email protected]

5. STEP therapy program for Nurses, PSWs and HCAs: building trauma resilience

Unity Health researchers are asking Ontario nurses, personal support workers (PSWs) and health care aides (HCAs) to take part in a study on the feasibility and effectiveness of an 8-week research psychotherapy intervention, called the Supportive Trauma Exposure Preparation (STEP) program. The aim of STEP is to help healthcare workers improve mood and mental health, build resilience to potential workplace trauma exposure, and decrease feelings of compassion fatigue and burnout.

6. Music-based Cognitive Training Study

Researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Ontario are conducting a study examining 8-weeks of music-based cognitive training sessions with individuals diagnosed with depression.

You may be eligible to participate if you are: 

  • Aged 18+, are currently diagnosed with depression
  • Have contemplated suicide in the last week
  • Have received more than 12 sessions of psychotherapy for the current depressive episode
  • Have stable medication use of 4+ weeks

Please see the flyer for more information or contact Melissa at [email protected]