Mental Health & Behaviour

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The Mental Health & Behaviour Group is seeking an integrated understanding of the biological and behavioural relationships during childhood that set pathways for health and illness across the lifespan. This focus will shape interventions that support optimal brain development and function for all children.

In May 2015, the BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Institute (BCMHARI) joined BC Children's Hospital Research Institute. Many BCMHARI investigators are now part of our BB&D Research Theme and are connected to this research group.

Some of the former BCMHARI research activities are embedded within BC Mental Health & Substance Use Service.

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Mental Health & Behaviour News See all

Women in Science: Dr. Julie Robillard, in her words

Dr. Julie Robillard is the moderator for the 2023 Women in Science event. She shares her source of inspiration for her career and why it's so important to pay attention to the gap between research in the lab and how that knowledge is used in the real world.

Continue reading Women in Science: Dr. Julie Robillard, in her words

The importance of diet with antipsychotic medication: Q&A with new investigator Dr. David Wright

Dr. David Wright is a new investigator with BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute aiming to develop treatment that can reduce the side effects of antipsychotic drugs in children and adults.

Continue reading The importance of diet with antipsychotic medication: Q&A with new investigator Dr. David Wright

Future eating disorder prevention programs to target ‘body-checking’ behaviours

New research suggests that body-checking behaviours — like frequent weighing or scrutinizing one's body in the mirror — could be key targets for eating disorder prevention programs.

Continue reading Future eating disorder prevention programs to target ‘body-checking’ behaviours

BCCHR research could help set new international standard for young children receiving bone marrow transplants

The findings from a BCCHR study played a part in integrating the multiple breath washout test into recent recommendations to screen children for pulmonary chronic graft-versus-host disease, a lung complication that can affect children who undergo a bone marrow transplant.

Continue reading BCCHR research could help set new international standard for young children receiving bone marrow transplants

Beyond access: Moving towards equity in pediatric type 1 diabetes care

Managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) can be challenging for patients, especially those from marginalized populations facing structural inequities. Families affected by T1D often grapple with managing a complex condition that requires continuous monitoring, timely insulin administration, and strict adherence to treatment plans. These challenges can be exacerbated for patients in socioeconomically deprived communities, where access to care and diabetes technology is often limited.

Continue reading Beyond access: Moving towards equity in pediatric type 1 diabetes care

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