We are currently conducting several studies on different aspects of depression and suicide risk. Read more about our currently active studies below:
Project Lead: Dr. Sakina Rizvi
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.
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 not currently receiving psychotherapy services
To see if you are preliminarily eligible, please complete our pre-screening survey: https://redcap.smh.ca/redcap/surveys/?s=KAAHM7W8NHCLN8XT
For more information, contact onjoli.krywiak@unityhealth.to or anna.kiriakidis@unityhealth.to.
Project lead: Dr. Sakina Rizvi, PhD student: Leen Ghanayem
Seeking: Healthy controls, individuals with treatment resistant depression, and individuals with non-treatment resistant depression.
The purpose of the study is to investigate the dopamine network in the brain across individuals with treatment resistant depression, non-resistant depression and controls. Currently, we are seeking participants from all 3 groups to participate. You may be eligible if you are between 25-55 years old and:
Treatment resistant depression group: Are currently depressed, not currently taking antidepressant medication, and have failed to respond to at least 2 antidepressant medications in your current depressive episode.
Non-resistant depression group: Are currently depressed, not currently taking antidepressant medication, and have previously tried antidepressant medications that have worked.
Healthy control group: have no psychiatric history, and are otherwise healthy.
Participation involves undergoing 2 brain scans (Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Positron Emissions Tomography), completion of cognitive tasks and clinical scales. Total time commitment is ~7 hours. Compensation will be provided for participants who complete the study procedures.
For more information, email connect@asrlife.ca.