MUHC in the Media - March 31, 2025

Criteria associated with repetitive movements, markedly restricted interests and perception-based behaviors are more strongly associated with a diagnosis of autism than socialization criteria, including emotional reciprocity, nonverbal communication and relationship building, according to research conducted at the Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro). The researchers, including Danilo Bzdok, a neuroscientist at The Neuro and co-lead author of the study, analyzed observational clinical reports using artificial intelligence. La Presse, CTV News

According to a March 2024 report in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, up to 40 per cent of patients in Canada report financial distress following a cancer diagnosis, including worrying about mortgage payments, draining their savings and returning to work before they're physically ready. Virginia Lee, Manager of the Supportive and Palliative Care Program and Services at the Cedars Cancer Centre, and Kathleen Exley, social worker at the MUHC, explain that medical teams can offer support in this type of situation, and that patients should not be afraid to talk to them about it. CBC

Catherine Ouellet-Courtois, a psychologist at the Allan Memorial Institute of the MUHC, sheds light on how obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) can affect the mental health of students. Le délit

During a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), children who received epinephrine before arriving at the hospital are less likely to be hospitalized in intensive care, according to a recent study conducted by Dr. Moshe Ben-Shoshan, Scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre and pediatric allergy and immunology specialist at the Montreal Children's Hospital. CityNews

While many have moved on from COVID-19, for some, the battle continues. Long COVID remains a harsh reality, significantly affecting the daily activities and quality of life of those impacted. Dr. Don Vinh, a microbiologist, emphasizes the importance of continuing research on long COVID to better understand this complex disease and develop effective treatments. CityNews

A first-ever mobile pediatric clinic called DocTocToc has just opened in Montreal's north end to meet the health needs of children aged five and under. It's the initiative of Dr. Rislaine Benkelfat, a pediatrician at the Montreal Children's Hospital. CityNews

Gossip allows people to share information about others and maintain social bonds within a group. However, it can also have negative consequences, particularly on individuals' reputations. In this sense, it is crucial to be mindful of the content of the information shared with others and to exercise discernment. Jennifer Russell, the Director of the Adult Sites Psychology Department at the MUHC, shared her thoughts on CJAD.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders. However, up to 70% of women with PCOS go undiagnosed, according to the World Health Organization. Dr. Togas Tulandi, Chief of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the MUHC, explains the differences between PCOS and polycystic ovaries, and the importance of properly diagnosing this syndrome. Montréal en santé

Dr. Tamara Gafoor, an emergency physician at the Montreal Children's Hospital, will be hosting “Wellness Week” this week through her organization More than a cur, to promote health and raise awareness of breast cancer. CJAD