First Scientific Day of the Chair on Sex, Gender and Mental Health at Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital
Why are women more prone to depression than men? Why does schizophrenia affect more men than women? Should men and women with mental illnesses be treated differently? This was the focus for researchers and students at the first scientific day of the Chair on Sex, Gender and Mental Health of the Institute of Gender and Health (IGH), one of 13 institutes of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The event was held on March 27 at Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital.
"The different studies carried out over the years did not account for gender differences. Knowing that most studies have involved male participants, it is very interesting to revise these results, taking into account the biological and social differences of each sex," explained Sonia Lupien, Ph.D., Scientific Director of the Fernand-Seguin Research Center at Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital and holder of the Chair on Sex, Gender and Mental Health.
"The Canadian Institutes of Health Research are proud to fund research projects based on gender, aimed at improving the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues," explains Joy Johnson, Scientific Director of the Institute of Gender and Health of the CIHR. "Every cell in the human body is 'sexual', and that is why we need a better understanding of how biological differences between the sexes influence pharmacological treatments and other therapies. We also have to understand how gender influences health and the specific needs of women, men, girls, and boys."