The Bebensee Schizophrenia Research Unit was formed in 2001 using a generous philanthropic gift of the Ian Douglas Bebensee Foundation. This unit is dedicated and directed to support research in the area of schizophrenia with particular emphasis on, although not limited to, magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI, DTI, MRS), drug metabolism and drug interactions involving antipsychotic drugs, and studies on individuals at high risk for developing schizophrenia and first episode psychosis. The environment provided by the Bebensee Schizophrenia Research Unit is an ideal training ground for research trainees.
BSRU Research Aims: - Delineate the cerebral basis for psychosis by application of:
- Neurochemistry (biochemical markers, drug development, drug metabolism and interactions)
- Neuroimaging (gCT, MRI, MRS, fMRI, DTI
- Neuropsychology (motor, sensory, and cognitive)
- Identify genetic predispositions and vulnerabilities
- Medical genetics and DNA
- Early risk indicators within families
- Improve therapeutic outcomes
- Edmonton Early Psychosis Intervention Clinic (EEPIC)
- Long term prospective outcome studies
Researchers
Dr. Scott Purdon, (Co-Director)
Dr. Philip Tibbo, (Dalhousie) (Co-Director)
Dr. Glen B. Baker
Dr. Andrew Greenshaw
Dr. Peter Allen
Dr. Alan Gordon
Dr. Esther Fujiwara
Graduate Students
Bonnie Lichlyter