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A scientist trying to unlock the mysteries of lithium — a commonly used psychiatric drug even though doctors don’t really know how it works — is the inaugural recipient of a new award encouraging mental health research.
Dr. Jean Martin Beaulieu, an associate professor at Laval University, received the first Royal-Mach-Gaensslen Prize for Mental Health Research during a ceremony at the Royal Ottawa attended by Gov. Gen. David Johnston and his wife, Sharon.
Beaulieu, who is also the Canadian research chair in molecular psychiatry, is investigating the effects of lithium medication at a molecular level as a treatment for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression.
“This is essentially a life insurance policy for the lab. Times are tough,” Beaulieu said to laughter at the event.
In 2015, the Mach-Gaensslen Foundation of Canada provided $1 million to the Royal Ottawa to fund a decade of $100,000 yearly prizes for Canadians under the age of 45 who are furthering research in mental health. The foundation focuses on supporting research in the fields of cardiology, oncology and psychiatry.
Beaulieu thinks the award is a good way to attract people to his field.
“Mental health research right now is kind of an island upon itself — you have to be motivated to go there,” he said during his acceptance speech.
His investigation into lithium is problematic because scientists understand little about how and why the drug succeeds at stabilizing moods.
Beaulieu and his team are experimenting with other chemical compounds to see if they can mimic the effects of lithium with less risk of harmful side effects like thyroid dysfunction and kidney failure.
After Beaulieu accepted the award, Sharon Johnston spoke about loved ones who suffered from bipolar disorder.
“At the time, I just found them outrageously funny, daring, adventurous. I didn’t see them when they hid away in their profound depressions,” she said.
She emphasized the importance of the award to future mental health research, which “is absolutely critical to building knowledge and fostering innovation.”
The award came as a surprise to Beaulieu, but he said he was thrilled.
“One of the best ways to de-stigmatize a disease is treat it like any other disease. Let’s find cures.”
khenderson@ottawacitizen.com
查看原文...
Dr. Jean Martin Beaulieu, an associate professor at Laval University, received the first Royal-Mach-Gaensslen Prize for Mental Health Research during a ceremony at the Royal Ottawa attended by Gov. Gen. David Johnston and his wife, Sharon.
Beaulieu, who is also the Canadian research chair in molecular psychiatry, is investigating the effects of lithium medication at a molecular level as a treatment for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression.
“This is essentially a life insurance policy for the lab. Times are tough,” Beaulieu said to laughter at the event.
In 2015, the Mach-Gaensslen Foundation of Canada provided $1 million to the Royal Ottawa to fund a decade of $100,000 yearly prizes for Canadians under the age of 45 who are furthering research in mental health. The foundation focuses on supporting research in the fields of cardiology, oncology and psychiatry.
Beaulieu thinks the award is a good way to attract people to his field.
“Mental health research right now is kind of an island upon itself — you have to be motivated to go there,” he said during his acceptance speech.
His investigation into lithium is problematic because scientists understand little about how and why the drug succeeds at stabilizing moods.
Beaulieu and his team are experimenting with other chemical compounds to see if they can mimic the effects of lithium with less risk of harmful side effects like thyroid dysfunction and kidney failure.
After Beaulieu accepted the award, Sharon Johnston spoke about loved ones who suffered from bipolar disorder.
“At the time, I just found them outrageously funny, daring, adventurous. I didn’t see them when they hid away in their profound depressions,” she said.
She emphasized the importance of the award to future mental health research, which “is absolutely critical to building knowledge and fostering innovation.”
The award came as a surprise to Beaulieu, but he said he was thrilled.
“One of the best ways to de-stigmatize a disease is treat it like any other disease. Let’s find cures.”
khenderson@ottawacitizen.com
查看原文...
