No Health Without Mental Health: UCalgary creates new mental health centre

By Jordanna Heller
Posted November 28, 2008

Dr. Glenda MacQueen will be the Interim Director of the Mental Health Centre for Research and Education: Photo by Trudie LeeMental illness is the most costly illness to society, contributing more to disability than any other disease. It is also devastating to families and our communities, with one in five Canadians personally experiencing a mental illness in their lifetime, yet it lags behind other health areas in terms of research, resources and knowledge. This is why the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary announced today the creation of a new centre, solely devoted to mental health research and education.

The Mental Health Centre for Research and Education is a partnership between the University of Calgary, Alberta Health Services and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI).

Dr. Glenda MacQueen, newly recruited to the University of Calgary, will act as the centre's interim director. "We will understand mental illness better when we understand the links between the physiology of the brain and emotions, thoughts and behaviours. Research allows us to increase our understanding of the factors contributing to mental health," she says.

MacQueen was named head of the Department of Psychiatry September 1, 2008. In addition to her strong leadership skills, she is renowned for her research into mood disorders, studying structural and functional brain changes and the factors that predict outcome in those disorders.

Mental health is a key priority for the Faculty of Medicine and with the leadership of the HBI, the recruitment of an outstanding team of researchers represents an opportunity to make a significant impact on our understanding of mental health.

"We've recruited top talent from across Canada and around the world to the University of Calgary in the field of mental health," says University of Calgary president, Harvey Weingarten. "Now, through the creation of this centre, we're giving them the support and the facilities they need to make a real difference in early detection and intervention in mental illnesses."

Early intervention and treatment is key

"The earlier a person with a mental health problem receives the support and services they need, the more successful the outcome," says Dr. Raj Sherman, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness. "The new Mental Health Centre for Research and Education will increase research being done for mental health and will continue to provide ideas for early intervention and treatment."

 "Mental health researchers at the Faculty of Medicine have never had a place to call home. The new centre will house mental health researchers and neuroscience researchers, allowing for the translational flow of information, and collaboration on projects," says the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Tom Feasby.

Samuel Weiss, PhD, director of the HBI, says, "The HBI develops and supports research and education programs that focus on neurological and mental health issues. Along with its partners, the HBI is providing the vehicle for these experts to work together to provide better solutions and treatments for our local and global community."

The centre will specialize in the prevention, detection and early intervention in mental illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia/psychosis, and addictions. "Almost every psychiatric illness develops before age 20. If we can educate youth about what they are experiencing and break the stigma around mental illness, they may be more willing to seek help when problems first begin," says MacQueen. "Then we can treat the illness before it becomes severe and debilitating".

Distinguished researchers on the team

MacQueen will lead a group of distinguished mental health researchers aiming to improve outcomes for those suffering with mental illness, researchers like Dr. Thomas Raedler, an expert in the use of MR imaging who studies memory and cognitive abilities in people with psychosis; Jean Addington, PhD, who specializes in the early detection and intervention for people with psychosis and schizophrenia; and Jaideep Bains, PhD, who investigates how the brain responds to external stress. 

The University of Calgary has committed $2 million towards housing, equipping and staffing the new centre. As well there has already been $2 million committed from donors in the community. The centre will be located in the Teaching, Research and Wellness (TRW) Building at the South Campus of the University of Calgary.

About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary

The U of C's Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs, and close relationship with the Calgary Health Region, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.

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