LDI - Psychosocial Research Program (axis)

The Psychosocial research program (axis) includes researchers from the Departments of Psychiatry and Oncology, and the Centre for Nursing Research. Trained in the fields of psychiatry, psychology, nursing, anthropology, public health, and cognitive neuroscience, they apply wide-ranging expertise and both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to the study of psychosocial factors in the etiology, course, and treatment of physical and mental illness.

I. Cultural Psychiatry

Situated in the heart of Montreal’s most ethnically and culturally diverse neighbourhood, the Psychiatry Department of the Jewish General Hospital is world-renowned for its work on cultural influences on symptom expression, help-seeking, diagnosis, adherence to treatment, and response to health communications. The focus is on common mental disorders (such as depression and anxiety) as well as chronic illness (such as cardiovascular disease and cancer). There is a particular emphasis on studies of vulnerable populations, including aboriginal groups, immigrants and refugees, and women, with the ultimate aim to inform health policy and reduce health disparities. Our researchers are at the forefront of the study of the effects of culture on the experience and expression of emotional distress, patterns of mental health service utilization among immigrants and native-born populations, and suicide prevention among aboriginal groups.

Cultural Psychiatry Group

Dr. Laurence Kirmayer
Dr. Cecile Rousseau
Dr. Danielle Groleau
Dr. Jaswant Guzder (associate)
Dr. Eric Jarvis (associate)
Dr. Andrew Ryder (associate)

II. Psychosocial Factors in Medical Illness

Psychological distress is associated with increased morbidity and greater utilization of health care services in patients with physical illness, with concomitant increases in health care costs. The investigation of risk factors for psychological distress in medical patients and the development and evaluation of screening and treatment programs for such distress, are important areas of research. We work with patients suffering from many different illnesses, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and sleep orders. Research in the area of psychosocial oncology focuses on coping, communication, and risk information transmission to improve health outcomes and quality of life among cancer patients and their families.

This axis has great expertise in studying quality of life in a variety of patient populations, including those with chronic illnesses such as cancer or cardiovascular disease, as well as palliative care patients and people with disabilities.

Our research advances knowledge by investigating not only the behavioural, psychological or physiological factors associated with pain and/or disability in medical patients, but also the largely neglected issue of the couple and family’s response to illness. Women’s health issues are another important focus of research, including studies of mental health problems during pregnancy and postpartum, screening for gynecological cancers, and sociocultural factors associated with decisions about breastfeeding.

Psychosocial Factors in Medical Illness Group

Dr. Phyllis Zelkowitz
Dr. Sylvia Aubin
Dr. Robin Cohen
Dr. Nancy Feeley
Dr. Catherine Fichten
Dr. Celine Gelinas
Dr. Eva Libman
Dr. Carmen Loiselle
Dr. Karl Looper
Dr. Margaret Purden
Dr. Zee Rosberger
Dr. Brett Thombs

III. Etiology and Treatment of Mental Disorders

Research focuses on biological and psychosocial risk factors in the development of psychiatric disorders in adults and children, as well as personality traits that predict prognosis and treatment outcome in depressed patients. Psychotherapy research looks at patient characteristics as well as aspects of treatment process that are associated with outcomes in patients with recurrent depression. Research in cognitive neuroscience investigates the role of placebo effects in psychiatric treatment and the use of attention training to treat Tourette’s syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.