Hymie Anisman

Biography

Hymie Anisman Degrees: Ph.D. (Waterloo)

Research Interest

Examining how certain genetic polymorphisms (e.g., those related to various growth factors, Serotonin, Oxytocin etc.) may interact with early-life and adult stressor experiences to promote depressive disorders. Examining how individuals with certain genetic variants may differentially respond to positive environmental experiences (e.g., social support or having multiple social identities) and how these factors may serve to promote resilience against negative mental health outcomes. Seeing how depressive disorders may, in combination with neuroendocrine, neutrotransmitter, and growth factor variations, be subserved by immune alterations, as well as elevations of cytokine production. In view of the possibility that variations of cytokine levels/production may be related to stressor events (and chronicity) and features associated with depression we have been evaluating the relationship between cytokine production and levels in subtypes of depression, including dysthymia (chronic, low grade depression) and major depression, as well as patients exhibiting typical or atypical features. Various studies that examine how psychosocial stressors are related to neurochemical disturbances and psychological symptomatology among visible minority groups. Including the examination of stressors in a variety of contexts such as the stigma associated with mental illness and obesity, trauma and socialization (e.g., among Somali refugees), the trauma experienced by First Nations people, to name a few.