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Dr. Sabine
Cordes
SENIOR
INVESTIGATOR
Feared
and largely misunderstood, mental illness exacts a painful personal and
economic cost. The cost of mental illnesses in Canada for the health
care system was at least $7.9 billion in 1998, with an additional $6.3
billion spent on uninsured mental health services and time off work. In
1999, 3.8 per cent of all admissions in general hospitals – 1.5 million
hospital days –were due to anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders,
schizophrenia, major depression, personality disorders, eating
disorders and suicidal behavior.
Clinical and family studies have indicated
that there is a strong genetic component to susceptibility to
psychiatric disorders. Dr. Sabine Cordes is working to identify the
genes involved with the goal of improving diagnosis, treatment and
quality of life for those affected by psychiatric disorders.
Dr. Cordes’ research focus is the serotonergic
system.
Serotonergic neurons produce the
neurotransmitter serotonin and are of particular relevance to human
disorders of mood and mind. These neurons modulate many behaviours
including appetite, anxiety and aggression in humans and animals.
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Prozac, increase the perceived
levels of serotonin in the brain and are still among the most effective
anti-depressants available. Variations in genes required for the
development and function of the serotonergic system show particularly
strong associations with psychiatric conditions. Dr. Cordes and her
team are interested in identifying new genes required for the
development and maintenance of a healthy serotonergic system, with the
hope that ultimately these will help improve diagnoses and treatments
for patients.
Dr. Cordes is collaborating with scientists
at the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health to test what roles any
newly identified genes may play in psychiatric conditions such as
depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism and phobic
disorders.
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