Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a common and frequently undiagnosed neurological disease due to thiamine deficiency. The condition leads to cognitive and neurological disability and mostly affects people with alcohol dependence. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is eminently treatable with thiamine, although we have insufficient knowledge regarding the best dose of thiamine to treat the condition. This project proposes two controlled trials to evaluate treatment effectiveness of thiamine for Wernicke-K ....Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a common and frequently undiagnosed neurological disease due to thiamine deficiency. The condition leads to cognitive and neurological disability and mostly affects people with alcohol dependence. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is eminently treatable with thiamine, although we have insufficient knowledge regarding the best dose of thiamine to treat the condition. This project proposes two controlled trials to evaluate treatment effectiveness of thiamine for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.Read moreRead less
Healthy, Wealthy And Wise: The Long-term Effectiveness Of An Online Universal Program To Prevent Substance Use And Mental Health Problems Among Australian Youth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,472,709.00
Summary
The proposed study represents a unique opportunity to build on the NHMRC funded Climate Schools Combined (CSC) study, a world-first trial of a combined, internet-delivered school-based approach to preventing substance use, anxiety and depression. Having successfully implemented this trial and followed these students for 3 years, we propose to extend follow-up of this large trial cohort over the critical transition from secondary school into early adulthood.
Pathways To Prevention: The Effectiveness Of Universal And Selective Prevention In Altering Developmental Pathways To Alcohol And Cannabis Related Harms In Young Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$465,967.00
Summary
This project will assess the potential long-term benefits for young Australians of two school-based drug prevention programs (Climate Schools and Preventure) compared to drug education as usual. This world-first study will inform national and international policy by evaluating whether prevention programs delivered in Year 8 are effective in reducing alcohol and cannabis related harms, including risk of aggression and violence, over the high risk period during young adulthood (ages 18-20).
Exploring The Efficacy And Biobehavioural Basis Of Baclofen In The Treatment Of Alcoholic Liver Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$661,197.00
Summary
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the main cause of death from alcohol consumption. Early detection of the disease and subsequent abstinence from alcohol can prevent death and disability. Current medications to help control alcohol consumption are not suitable for use in this patient population owing to the risk of liver side-effects. This study investigates the novel use of an existing medication, baclofen, to safely help maintain abstinence from alcohol in patients suffering from ALD.
Mental Health First Aid Training In The Workplace: A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Online And Blended Modes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,247.00
Summary
This project will evaluate the effects of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, which aims to teach members of the public how to support people they know who are developing a mental health problem or are in a mental health crisis. Training will be offered to Victorian public servants to see whether it changes their knowledge, attitudes and helping behaviour. MHFA training will be delivered either online or as a blend of online with face-to-face teaching, and will be compared with online Red C ....This project will evaluate the effects of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, which aims to teach members of the public how to support people they know who are developing a mental health problem or are in a mental health crisis. Training will be offered to Victorian public servants to see whether it changes their knowledge, attitudes and helping behaviour. MHFA training will be delivered either online or as a blend of online with face-to-face teaching, and will be compared with online Red Cross physical first aid training as a control.Read moreRead less
Pubertal Transitions In Mental Health And Behaviour: The PHASE-A Study Of Social Roleand Lifestyle Transitions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,656,785.00
Summary
Over the past four decades problems such as depression, anxiety, self-harm and substance abuse have increased in young people. Recent research indicates that puberty is a time when these problems commonly first emerge. This five-year study of 4000 students will examine a question of whether social transitions that are too soon (e.g. early initiation of sex) or problematic (e.g. bullying from peers) may explain the increase in these health problems as children pass through puberty.
The N-ICE Trial: A Randomised Controlled Trial Of The Safety And Efficacy Of N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) As A Pharmacotherapy For Methamphetamine (“ice”) Dependence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,551,368.00
Summary
Crystalline methamphetamine (aka ‘ice’) is a significant public health concern in Australia and globally. Currently there are no approved medications to treat methamphetamine dependence. We will trial tN-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) as a medications for methamphetamine dependence.
Preventing Child Internalising Problems: Follow Up Of A Population-based Randomised Trial Through Middle Childhood.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$472,604.00
Summary
Many Australians suffer with internalising problems (anxiety, depression). They affect 1 in 7 school age children, impacting peer relations, school engagement and later mental health. Inhibited temperament (fearfulness, withdrawal) places children at risk. In 2010-14 we conducted a randomised prevention trial, screening preschoolers for inhibition and offering the Cool Little Kids parenting group program to those affected. We are now following families in this trial in mid-childhood (age 7-10).
A Stepped Care Approach For The Management Of Childhood Anxiety Disorders: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$936,628.00
Summary
Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental disorder in childhood. Research has led to some good treatments but these don't necessarily suit all families. Stepped care is a format that allows the least complicated treatment to be given to a child first, followed by more intense treatments only when needed. The current study aims to compare this approach against a standard, established treatment. We expect the stepped care approach to result in better outcomes at a lower overall cost.
Taking A LEAP Forward In The Treatment Of Anorexia Nervosa: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$578,818.00
Summary
Extreme levels of exercise to reduce weight and improve mood are common in people with anorexia nevosa and are associated with poorer outcomes. Our study aims to test a novel therapy help people reduce their use of exercise andfind healthier and safer ways of managing weight and low mood. The therapy will be compared with a widely used control therapy - that however has only limited efficacy. We hope the exercise therapy will result in improved outcomes for this debilitating illness.