• Portrait of Dr. Kitender Sareen.
  • Professor and head

    Max Rady College of Medicine
    Department of Psychiatry
    University of Manitoba
    Room PZ430 – PsycHealth Centre
    771 Bannatyne Avenue, Health Sciences Centre
    Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 3N4

    Phone: 204-787-7056
    Fax: 204-787-4879
    jsareen@hsc.mb.ca (admin email)
    sareen@umanitoba.ca (university email)

Cross-appointments

Research summary

Dr. Sareen's research focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms of mental health disorders, with a particular emphasis on anxiety and depression. One of his recent studies examined the relationship between traumatic life events and the development of anxiety and depression in military personnel. The study found that individuals who had experienced a traumatic event, such as combat exposure, had a higher risk for developing these mental health conditions. Additionally, the study identified specific risk factors, such as the number and types of traumatic events experienced, that were associated with an increased risk for anxiety and depression.

This research is important because it helps to shed light on the complex relationship between traumatic life events and the development of mental health disorders. It also provides valuable insights into the specific risk factors that may make certain individuals more susceptible to developing anxiety and depression. This information can be used to develop targeted interventions and support for military personnel and other individuals who have experienced traumatic events.

Another exciting area of Dr. Sareen's research is the use of technology in mental health care. He is investigating the use of mobile apps and other digital tools to improve the delivery of mental health services, particularly for individuals who may have difficulty accessing traditional in-person care. This research has the potential to revolutionize the way mental health services are delivered, making them more accessible and convenient for individuals in need. Overall Dr. Sareen's research is not only informative but also crucial to make a positive impact on the mental health of people, particularly those who are in critical circumstances.

    • Research themes

      Posttraumatic stress disorder

      Suicide risk and prevention

      Psychiatric epidemiology

      Indigenous mental health 

      Health service research

      Research affiliations/appointments

      Certified member, Academy of Cognitive Therapy

      Member, Anxiety Disorders Association of America

      Registrant, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba

      Member, Canadian Psychiatric Association

      Research groups

      Group leader, Manitoba Population Mental Health Research Group

    • Keywords

      Anxiety disorders

      Cognitive therapy

      Indigenous mental health

      Military and veterans' mental health

      Population mental health

      Posttraumatic stress disorder

      Psychiatric epidemiology

      Suicide prevention

      Traumatic stress

      Health service research

    Biography

    Dr. Jitender Sareen is a leading expert in the field of psychiatry and mental health, with a particular focus on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicide risk and prevention, psychiatric epidemiology, and Indigenous mental health. He is currently the Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba, as well as the Provincial Specialty Lead for Mental Health and Addictions at Shared Health.

    Throughout his career, Dr. Sareen has made significant contributions to the field of psychiatry through his research. He has published over 400 peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, CMAJ, JAMA Psychiatry, Psychological Medicine, and Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. His research has had a significant impact on national and provincial policies related to military and veterans' health, suicide prevention, homelessness, and PTSD.

    In recognition of his contributions to the field, Dr. Sareen has received numerous awards and grants, including the Canadian Psychiatric Association's J.M Cleghord Award for Excellence in Research (2020), the University of Winnipeg Distinguished Alumni Award (2018), and the Canadian Institutes of Military and Veterans Health Research Fellow (2017). He also received over $20 million in grant funding as a principal investigator, including a current grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Foundation on Defining the Longitudinal Course, Outcomes, and Treatment Needs of Vulnerable Canadians with PTSD.

    In addition to his research and teaching responsibilities, Dr. Sareen is also a prominent figure in the public sphere, having presented as a witness to the House of Commons and Senate Standing committees of Veterans and Public Safety Personnel. He is also a certified member of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, a member of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, a registrant of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, and a member of the Canadian Psychiatric Association.

    Dr. Sareen holds a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCPC) in Psychiatry from the University of Manitoba (2000) and a research fellowship from the University of Manitoba (1997-1999). He also holds cross-appointments at the Faculty of Arts and the Max Rady College of Medicine and leads the Manitoba Population Mental Health Research Group.

    With a deep commitment to improving the lives of those affected by mental health issues and a wealth of experience and expertise in the field, Dr. Jitender Sareen is a true leader in the field of psychiatry and mental health. Additional profiles can be found on ORCID, ResearchGate and Google Scholar.

    • Education

      Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCPC) in Psychiatry, University of Manitoba (2000)

      Research Fellowship (Supervisors: Drs. Michael B. Stein and Gail G. Brown), University of California San Diego (June 1999)

      Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), University of Manitoba (1995)

      Bachelor of Science in Medicine (Anaesthesia), University of Manitoba (1993)

      Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), University of Winnipeg (1991)

    • Awards

      *Select awards

      J.M Cleghord Award for Excellence in Research, Canadian Psychiatric Association (2020)

      University of Winnipeg Distinguished Alumni Award (2018)

      Canadian Institutes of Military and Veterans Health Research Fellow (2017)

      Community Service Recognition Award for Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Centre of Canada (2015)

      Scholastic Award for Excellence in Scholarly Activities in the Health Profession, Doctors Manitoba (2015)

      Manitoba Medical Students’ Association (MMSA) Teaching Award. Nominee (2013/2014)

      Beck Scholar Award, Academy of Cognitive Therapy (2013)

      Fellow of the Canadian Psychiatric Association (FRCPC) (2012)

    Contact us

    Psychiatry
    PZ433-771 Bannatyne Avenue
    University of Manitoba, Bannatyne campus
    Winnipeg, MB R3E 3N4 Canada

    204-787-7056 
    204-787-4879