Ofer Agid - CPD University of Toronto

Ofer Agid, M.D.
Ofer Agid, MD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry University of
Toronto, a staff psychiatrist in the First-episode Schizophrenia program and the medical
Leader of the Home Intervention for Psychosis Team at the Centre for Addiction and
Mental Health in Toronto. This is a unique clinical program that provides communitybased assessment and treatment for young people experiencing a first episode of
psychosis.
Dr. Agid joined the Schizophrenia Program and PET Centre, Department of Psychiatry,
University of Toronto, as a Clinical Research Fellow in 2001.
During his fellowship, Dr. Agid has been involved in conducting research studies in the
field of psychopharmacology, and this work has led to a new ‘early onset of action’
hypothesis of antipsychotics, hypothesis that has impacted current practice guidelines for
the treatment of schizophrenia. The database that was created as part of this work
represents the largest dataset published to date on placebo response in patients with
schizophrenia.
As the medical leader in the Home Intervention for Psychosis Team Dr. Agid initiated an
algorithm-based treatment approach for first-episode schizophrenia while collecting
extensive clinical data regarding treatment response. This algorithm was implemented in
order to optimize antipsychotic treatment during the illness’ earliest stages, a critical time
period in terms of longer term outcome. This systematic and standardized approach has
resulted in a large and comprehensive database; the published data to date have provided
clear, empiric evidence that clinicians can use in approaching the pharmacological
management of first-episode schizophrenia. It has challenged current practice patterns
and has also proven valuable in examining trajectories of response. Currently, Dr. Agid is
using this algorithm in a longitudinal naturalistic comparative investigation that follows a
large cohort of first episode patients to investigate both clinical and functional response.
In addition, Dr. Agid is involved in investigating patterns of non-adherence, examining
value systems and happiness in schizophrenia with emphasis on the relationship to and
impact on functional outcome.
Dr. Agid’s main research interests are in deciphering the early response to antipsychotic
medications and investigating early predictors of response. Dr. Agid is a recipient of
grants; he has presented his research at major meetings and conferences and has
published in major psychiatric journals.