Pratibha Reebye, MS, SS, MRC(Psych), FRCPC

SUMMARY OF RESEARCH:

Our research group is studying the effects on children of exposure to psychotropic drugs such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), particularly regarding biobehavioural teratogenicity, or developmental malformation. We are also interested in finding out how maternal depression and anxiety affect mother-infant interactions, and the socio-emotional development of the young child.

My autism-related research is currently confined to validating a research instrument to measure social distancing in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Current Research Projects:

• Regional CIHR Research Team Member: The Genetics of Autism Spectrum Disorders from Genotyping to Phenotyping to Prospective Identification and Prevention. A CIHR funded project. Principal investigator: Dr. Jeanette Holden, PhD, Queen's University, Ontario . (See www.autismresearch.ca ) Regional study Director and Chief Investigator: Dr. Suzanne Lewis, MD FRCP, FCCM. Five- year funding for $4.5 million for 2001-2005.

• Principal Investigator: Treatment with SSRls and CST in Postpartum Depressed and Anxious Mothers and the Impact on Mother- Infant Interaction and Infant Development. Grant held with Dr. Shaila Misri, Clinical Professor and Reproductive Psychiatry Program. Funded $223,311 by GlaxoSmith Kline.

• Co-Investigator, NET Grant, CIHR Aggression and Violent Girls. Lead investigator: Dr. M. Moretti.

RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS:

Misri S, Reebye P, Millis L, Shah S. The impact of treatment intervention on parenting stress in postpartum depressed mothers: A prospective study. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry (in press).

Iarroci G. Virji-Babul, Reebye P. The learn at play program (LAPP): Merging family, developmental research, early intervention and policy goals for children with Down Syndrome. Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 2005 (in press).

Reebye P, Moretti M. Perspectives of childhood and adolescent aggression. The Canadian Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Review. 14(1):2, February 2005.

Reebye P. Aggression during early years (Infancy and Preschool). Guest editorial. The Canadian Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Review 14(1):16-20. February 2005.

Misri S, Reebye P, Kendrick K, Carter D, Ryan D, Grunau RE, Oberlander TF. Internalizing behaviours in four-year old children following in utero exposure to psychotropic medications. Accepted for publication American Journal of Psychiatry, April 2005.

Reebye P. Preschool aggression: Indian Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Association newsletter, December 2004.

Misri S, Reebye P, Corral M, Milis. L. The use of paroxetine and cognitive-behavioural therapy in postpartum depression: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 65(9):1236­41, 2004.

Misri S, Oberlander TF, Fairbrother N, Carter D, Ryan D, Kuan A, Reebye P. Relation between prenatal maternal mood and anxiety and neonatal health. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 49(10):684-669, October 2004.

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