Stress Vulnerability In Youth With Borderline Personality Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$873,689.00
Summary
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder with adverse long-term outcomes, including suicide. BPD is characterised by vulnerability to stressful life events and catastrophic responses to stress. This study of youth early in the course of BPD examines the baseline biological characteristics of the stress response system, how these characteristics might be influenced by treatment and how this relates to treatment outcome. The findings will inform early intervention for BPD.
Phase-Based Treatment For Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In Traumatized Refugees
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,003,340.00
Summary
Refugees report high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Low response rates to psychological interventions for PTSD in refugees may be explained by their failure to target co-morbid emotion regulation difficulties. In this project, we will test the efficacy of a phase-based intervention that first targets emotion regulation difficulties before implementing trauma-focused therapy to reduce PTSD in refugees. Findings will advance knowledge and inform clinical interventions for refugees.
It remains unclear what the causes of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders are and what the most effective interventions are for preventing onset of disorder in those at risk. The current research program consists of a number of interrelated studies of how psychosis develops, the most effective sequential treatments to prevent the onset of disorder in high risk young people, and testing clinical criteria to identify young people at risk of a range of serious mental illnesses.
The Efficacy Of N-acetylcysteine As An Adjunctive Treatment In Bipolar Depression: A Double-blind, Randomised, Placebo-controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$970,090.00
Summary
The brain's antioxidant defences, particularly glutathione, are reduced in bipolar disorder. Treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a naturally occurring and well-tolerated glutathione precursor, has been shown by our research group to be effective at reducing depression in people with bipolar disorder during a 6-month pilot trial. In this definitive placebo controlled randomised study, we aim to see if add-on treatment with NAC can reduce depression in participants in the depressive phase of bi ....The brain's antioxidant defences, particularly glutathione, are reduced in bipolar disorder. Treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a naturally occurring and well-tolerated glutathione precursor, has been shown by our research group to be effective at reducing depression in people with bipolar disorder during a 6-month pilot trial. In this definitive placebo controlled randomised study, we aim to see if add-on treatment with NAC can reduce depression in participants in the depressive phase of bipolar disorder.Read moreRead less
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) - A Potential New Treatment For Women Of Child-bearing Age With Psychotic Symptoms Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$210,480.00
Summary
Schizophrenia is a devastating illness urgently requiring a new treatment approach. We have discovered that estrogen is an effective treatment for women with schizophrenia and are currently trialling a safer Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) known as brain estrogen� in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia. Regulatory permission is now available to trial the SERM in younger women, and we seek to extend our current SERM study into child bearing age women with schizophrenia.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorde(ADHD) is the most prevalent mental disorder of childhood affecting around 7.5% of Australian school age children. The disorder is strongly genetic and causes significant impairments in academic functioning, family and peer relations with sufferers at increased risk for drug abuse. Identification and characterisation of rare mutations will enhance our knowledge of the neurobiology and advance the search for next generation drug treatments for the disorder.
The Efficacy Of N-acetylcysteine As An Adjunctive Treatment In Unipolar Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,832.00
Summary
This is evidence that the brain's antioxidant defences, particularly glutathione, are altered in depression. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutathione precursor, increases antioxidant defences and has antidepressant properties in bipolar disorder. The aim of this study is to see if treatment with NAC will precent relapse and improve the symptoms of depression including functioning and quality of life. Participants will be randomly given either NAC or placebo, in addition to standard thereapy.
The Aetiology Of Alcohol Use Disorders In Adulthood: A Generational Perspective
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$630,927.00
Summary
This study aims to investigate the causes of alcohol problems in adult Australians. We will follow-up participants from a birth cohort study who are now in their thirties. We will assess long term outcomes from in-utero exposure to alcohol and biological, developmental and genetic predictors of alcohol disorders in adulthood. This study also aims to study genetic factors which may be important in the development of alcohol abuse and dependence.