For children and adolescents diagnosed as psychotic, medication is not an option – it’s a necessity. But when the literature on its effects for young patients is barely available, the urgency shifts to understanding how it impacts their health – as early as possible.
Thanks to the generosity of Standard Life, The Montreal Children’s Hospital now has the means to understand and possibly one day even prevent the metabolic complications caused by psychotropic drugs.
From left to right, Dr. Harvey Guyda, Associate Executive Director, The Montreal Children's Hospital; Dr. Evangelia Amirali, Psychiatrist, The Montreal Children's Hospital; Charles Guay, President and CEO, Standard Life; Marie-Josée Gariépy, President, The Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation
The problem, explains Dr. Lila Amirali, is that the literature on these effects for adolescents is virtually non-existent.
“Over the past decade we’ve become more and more aware of the effects that some of our medication has on the metabolism. There’s very, very little data for patients under 18, and we need to be able to identify problems as soon as possible.”
She adds that since affected children need this medication to function, the need for more information is even more urgent.
Standard Life’s generous $50,000 donation promises the hope of a better future for children and adolescents with psychotic illness. President and CEO of Standard Life Canada, Charles Guay, underlines the importance of investing in the community.
“In 2011, Standard Life has contributed over $1.1 million to over 85 community organizations throughout Canada. To invest in kids is to invest in the future. And we believe we can help build a better future by helping improve quality of life for young Canadians.”
