Douglas Hospital’s Frames of Mind movies series addresses alcoholism and affective disorders with the viewing of Pollock on June 16

Beer and BBQ’s go hand-in-hand, but if you’re driving this may be a fatal combination. Summer time is one of the deadliest periods for drinking related driving accidents. Researchers at the Douglas Hospital are looking at better ways to predict who is more likely to get behind the wheel after drinking. Their new research findings suggest that measuring levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, may help to identify which individuals are alcohol abusers and will drive under the influence (DUI) of alcohol.

“We have shown a link between salivary cortisol levels and DUI activity in some individuals,” says researcher Maurice Dongier, MD. “Using cortisol measurements from individuals who had previous DUI convictions, we were able to differenciate the most severe recidivists from those with better prognosis. The next step is to determine at how to keep these individuals away from the bottle and off the road. We are currently looking at optimally matching individuals with the most suitable interventions to combat alcohol and other substance abuse.”

Pollock: third Frames of Mind movie
This research and the topics of alcoholism and affective disorders will be the focus of next week’s screening of Pollock on Thursday, June 16, as part of the Douglas Hospital’s Frames of Mind movie series showcasing five films with a mental health theme.

Researcher Maurice Dongier, MD, and Mimi Israel, MD, Psychiatrist-in-Chief, will host the evening. They will discuss the movie Pollock, talk about their experience in treating patients with alcoholism and affective disorders and about research trends in the area. The community is invited to come watch the movie and participate in the discussion.

“Pollock does an excellent job of profiling an alcoholic’s life,” says Dongier. “His DUI-induced car crash and death really brings home the importance of understanding how devastating this disorder is.”

Some facts about alcoholism:

• Alcohol dependence has medical consequences including a higher morbidity and shorter life expectancy
• 2.6% of the household population aged 15 or old are dependent on alcohol
• 77% of the population aged 15 or older— have consumed alcohol in the past 12 months
• 35% of the adult population, have engaged in at least one episode of heavy drinking
• Men are more likely than women to drink heavily

NB. The film will be shown in English with French subtitles, discussion will be bilingual. Entrance is free.

Information

Florence Meney
Media Relation
Communications and public affairs
Phone: 514-761-6131, ext. 2769
Cell.: 514-835-3236
florence_dot_meney_At_douglas_dot_mcgill_dot_ca