Sidney H Kennedy , MD, FRCPC, MBBS

Clinical Trials Research Networks
Responsible for the development of Neurobiology and Psychopharmacology units at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (formerly Clarke Institute of Psychiatry) and subsequently at University Health Network (Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital). Both are within the University of Toronto, Department of Psychiatry.

Neuroimaging and Neurostimulation
Initially performed investigational Positron Emission Tomography (PET) work at the Vivian Rakoff Centre, University of Toronto, exploring regional brain changes following antidepressant pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Subsequently, performed this research in collaboration with Dr. Andres Lozano (Neurosurgery), Dr. Peter Giacobbe (Psychiatry) and Dr. Helen Mayberg (Neurology and Psychiatry, Emory University). This work has extended to include Deep Brain Stimulation targeting the subcallosal cingulated gyrus in treatment resistant depression. Both structural and functional MRI studies complement this work.

Scale Development and Predictors of Outcome
The Toronto Antidepressant Side Effect Scale (TASES), the Sexual Side Effects (SexFx) Scale and the 7-Item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-7) have been developed in collaboration with Drs. Roger McIntyre and Michael Bagby. In addition, measurement of personality dimension in relation to depression, response to antidepressants and treatment selection has been a research focus.

Depression and Circadian Rhythm
Initial neuroendocrine studies on melatonin and cortisol, focusing on disruptions of amplitude and rhythm in mood disorder populations. This work was expanded to include stress biology research in collaboration with Dr. Robert Levitan and Dr. Kevin Chopra. This early work on melatonin led to a series of studies examining agomelatine, a melatonin agonist, as an antidepressant with circadian rhythm altering properties.

Guideline Development and Evidence Based Medicine
Through the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT), regular guidelines for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Disorder (BD) have been published nationally and internationally. This Toronto research group have played a major role in collaboration with other Canadian leading centres in the ongoing work of CANMAT.

Additional Appointments