I have discovered particular factors produced by our white blood cells have the ability to shut down or boost protein production in the gut, pancreas and lung. My vision is to harness these to devise new strategies for treatments for infectious and non-infectious diseases (inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes) that have a high burden on our healthcare system.
Mood and anxiety disorders represent a tremendous cause of disability and morbidity. This research will use cutting-edge brain imaging technologies to understand why these disorders typically emerge in young people and whether brain imaging can reliably predict the effectiveness of different treatments for individual patients.
Improving Online Mental Health Programs: Tailored Assessment Meets Tailored Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$478,065.00
Summary
The proposed research will develop a personalised mental health program designed to address multiple mental health problems: major depression, anxiety disorders and substance use disorders, and suicidality. The program will increase efficiency and user engagement by tailoring content based on individual needs, context and preferences. Ongoing monitoring using new methods of assessment will allow a responsive and flexible approach to care.
Nutraceuticals And Lifestyle Modification For Mood And Anxiety Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Mood and anxiety disorders cause immense societal impact, and current treatment can be greatly improved. One particular way is via evidence-based use of nutrients and plant-based medicines, in addition to encouraging specific lifestyle changes (e.g. increased physical activity and improved diet). Dr Sarris' research focuses on these areas, aiming to build a robust body of evidence as to which of these interventions work (and which do not) to enhance better treatment of depression and anxiety.
This proposal aims to examine central mechanisms important in stress related hypertension. My team will focus on the role of tissue plasminogen activator in mediating inhibitory effects of chronic stress on neural plasticity and examine inhibitory dysfunction in GABAergic and nitric oxide pathways that lead to increased sympathetic activity and elevated blood pressure. Importantly, we will investigate the potential of three interventions directed at each as therapies for hypertension.
Innovative And Multi-disciplinary Treatment Strategies For Secondary Degeneration Following Neurotrauma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$455,452.00
Summary
Following injury to the central nervous system the damage spreads into nearby areas, leading to worse outcomes for the patient. The research conducted during this Fellowship will ensure that promising treatment strategies to prevent spreading damage are used in the best way, and will determine the mechanism of action of these treatments.
Fighting Mental Disorders: Using Mental Imagery To Disarm Symptoms And Enhance Treatment.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,218.00
Summary
This proposal will conduct the first pre-clinical and clinical research utilising mental imagery to disarm symptoms and enhance treatment of multiple mental disorders by controlling the strength of mental imagery. This fellowship represents the first attempt to alleviate symptoms by developing a cognitive-neuroscience method to control the strength of traumatic imagery and to show a causative means of enhancing imagery strength to boost the success rate of cognitive therapy involving imagery.
FIGHTING MENTAL AND NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS: MECHANISTIC BIOMARKERS, DISARMING SYMPTOMS AND NOVEL TREATMENTS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
This work will reduce uncontrollable and traumatic mental imagery and hallucination symptoms across many mental and neurological disorders. It will show what causes these symptoms and hence, how to control them. It will discover multiple mechanistic biomarkers and develop novel brain-stimulation and behavioural therapy techniques to control these traumatic symptoms. This work represents the first major progress in treating these common, yet enigmatic mental health and psychiatric symptoms.
Understanding The Development Of Dental Fear Among Australian Children And Adults By Applying A Comprehensive Conceptual Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$418,482.00
Summary
Dental fear acts as a significant barrier to obtaining dental care, and leads to poorer dental health, greater dental treatment needs and reduced school and work performance. Approximately 1 in 7 children and adults have high dental fear. Understanding how dentists are being trained, what they are doing in their dental practise, and how and why dental fear develops and is maintained, are fundamental steps in trying to reduce this important dental, mental, and public health issue.
Improving Internet-delivered Psychological Therapies For Depression And Anxiety
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,034.00
Summary
Depression and anxiety affect 3 million Australians. While effective psychological treatments exist, even the best only help 50% recover, and relapse is common. My research aims to improve the treatment of adult depression and anxiety, through developing more effective, efficient and accessible internet-delivered psychological therapies and identifying the conditions that promote optimal long-term outcomes.