Ryerson University is to receive a $375,755 grant for a two-year study on how to better treat patients suffering from PTSD.
In a press conference at the school this past Monday, the Honourable Steve Blaney, Minister of Veteran Affairs and Minster for La Francophonie, announced the grant on behalf of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Government of Canada's health research investment agency.
The Ryerson University research project will be headed by Ryerson psychology professor Dr. Candice Monson. While Dr. Monson's project is already currently underway, the much-needed funds will help her and her team to continue to follow over 140 clinicians treating PTSD over the next two years.
The study will examine how effectively clinicians are using cognitive processing therapy to treat adults with PTSD. Cognitive processing therapy refers to a collection of techniques -- based on cognitive behavioural therapy -- used to help PTSD sufferers move forward with their lives by helping them to address their trauma.
"Post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the most treatable mental health conditions, which affects about 10 per cent of Canadians," said Dr. Candice Monson at Monday's press conference. "We believe that using cognitive processing therapy to treat individuals with PTSD will significantly improve the lives of Canadians. Our study hopes to prove this by training clinicians on this form of therapy and monitoring its benefits for patients who have received this short-term psychological treatment."
At Monday's press conference, Minister Blaney also announced the launched a new PTSD Coach Canada mobile app. The free app, developed by Veterans Affairs Canada and adapted from the American PTSD Coach app, is designed help individuals and their families manage the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Writer: Katia Snukal