Randomised Controlled Trial Of The RECOVER Tailored Psychological Intervention For First Episode Bipolar Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,550,291.00
Summary
Bipolar disorder (BD) is one of the most disabling health conditions experienced by young adults, yet there are currently no psychological treatment options specifically developed for early intervention in BD. This project will test if a new psychological intervention called RECOVER, administered to young people who have experienced a first episode of BD, can help prevent this experience from developing into a chronic disorder.
Developing Evidence For The Primary Prevention Of Depressive Disorders: The Role Of Diet And Physical Activity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$672,136.00
Summary
This study will examine the association between diet, physical activity and depression and bipolar disorders. It will examine whether an individual's regular diet and-or levels of physical activity are related to the development and-or course of these psychiatric illnesses. There is evidence to suggest that our changing diets may play an important role in the development of mood disorders such as depression. The typical western diet has become high in saturated fats and refined sugar, while the ....This study will examine the association between diet, physical activity and depression and bipolar disorders. It will examine whether an individual's regular diet and-or levels of physical activity are related to the development and-or course of these psychiatric illnesses. There is evidence to suggest that our changing diets may play an important role in the development of mood disorders such as depression. The typical western diet has become high in saturated fats and refined sugar, while the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables has declined, and these large-scale dietary changes may be contributing to increasing rates of depression. Moreover, there is evidence of physical activity being protective against depression, while physical inactivity is a risk factor for depression. Our lifestyles are increasingly sedentary and this may also be a contributing factor to the development of mood disorders. This study will involve women enrolled in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study (GOS), which comprises a highly representative sample of randomly-selected women from the Barwon region. The study will prospectively examine the relationships between diet and exercise and the later development of depressive disorders. To date, there is little data focusing on the role of lifestyle factors in the development of depressive disorders. This study will contribute comprehensive information regarding modifiable lifestyle factors that play a role in the development of these disorders. This data can be incorporated with information regarding other modifiable risk factors, such as drug and alcohol misuse, to create a simple public health message on how to reduce one's risk of developing these disorders. A preventative approach to mental illness would be cost-effective and able to be implemented at a population level. It is likely to lead to better outcomes for those affected by depressive illnesses and reduce the public health burden of psychiatric illness in Australia.Read moreRead less
Exploring The Meaning And Experience Of Cardiovascular Health Of People Who Live With Severe And Persistent Mental Illness.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$89,114.00
Summary
People with serious mental illness die up to 25 years before their peers, mostly from cardiovascular disease. Despite extensive research, we have made little impact on addressing this health inequity. By exploring the experience and meaning of personal cardiovascular health to people with severe mental illness, this study aims to generate new knowledge that will inform the tailoring of cardiovascular health promotion interventions that meet the unique requirements of this vulnerable population.
Preconception Predictors Of Health, Behaviour And Emotional Adjustment At Seven Years
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,170,830.00
Summary
An understanding of the importance of a healthy start to life has underpinned major health policies including Australia’s National Agenda for Early Childhood. The capacity of parents to provide that healthy start has received little study. The present project investigates the extent to which parental lifestyle, social and emotional adjustment prior to conception predictor emotional problems, disruptive behaviour and health in their children at seven years.
Integrating Treatment For Alcohol Use Problems And Comorbid PTSD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$658,073.00
Summary
Comorbid alcohol use problems and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common mental health problems that cause disability and distress. Despite this, there are few randomized controlled trials of interventions. The proposed study is the first Australian randomised controlled trial in this field to address the question of whether treating PTSD and alcohol use problems is superior to treating alcohol use problems alone. The study compares the relative efficacy of a manual guided treatment for ....Comorbid alcohol use problems and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common mental health problems that cause disability and distress. Despite this, there are few randomized controlled trials of interventions. The proposed study is the first Australian randomised controlled trial in this field to address the question of whether treating PTSD and alcohol use problems is superior to treating alcohol use problems alone. The study compares the relative efficacy of a manual guided treatment for alcohol use disorder alone with a simultaneous treatment for alcohol use and PTSD. This study improves on the methodological limitations described in the two existing studies reported in the published literature. Two-hundred and sixty four participants will be recruited from mutiple sites (media, GPs, specialist clinics) and treated in the community at two sites in Sydney. Participants will be eligible if they consume harmful levels of alcohol (NHMRC risky or high risk levels) and have a concurrent diagnosis of PTSD based on recognised diagnostic criteria. Treatment will consist of 16 sessions of manual guided individual psychological therapy that has been found to be very efficacious with each problem alone. The efficacy of treatment will be determined on the basis of reductions in harmful drinking (above NHMRC low risk levels) and in symptoms of PTSD. Participants will be followed up by an independent, blind, clinician three and six months after treatment completion. The findings of this study have the potential to provide valuable information regarding the treatment needs of people with these complex presentations to clinicians and policy developers alike.Read moreRead less
Panic Disorder: Neurobiology And Mechanisms Of Cardiac Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$456,657.00
Summary
Some people are subject to episodes of recurring, often inexplicable anxiety which are very unpleasant and accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, palpitations, tremor and a sensation of suffocation. Recurring attacks over a period of months, or years, forms the basis for the diagnostic of panic disorder. It has until recently been felt that although panic disorder was distressing and disabling, it did not constitute a risk of life. Sufferers often fear that they have heart disease, b ....Some people are subject to episodes of recurring, often inexplicable anxiety which are very unpleasant and accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, palpitations, tremor and a sensation of suffocation. Recurring attacks over a period of months, or years, forms the basis for the diagnostic of panic disorder. It has until recently been felt that although panic disorder was distressing and disabling, it did not constitute a risk of life. Sufferers often fear that they have heart disease, because of the nature of their symptoms, but have been reassured that this is not the case. Recent epidemiological studies, however, indicate that there is an increased risk in patients with panic disorder. Our hypotheses in this research project are as follow: That some specific genes predispose to the development of panic disorder - through actions on the nervous system and blood vessels That drug treatment (selective serotonin uptake blockers) and psychological treatment (cognitive behaviour therapy, CBT) reduce cardiac risk in panic disorder We will test these hypothesis using state of the art clinical scientific methods. Panic disorder has an important cardiological dimension which needs to be better understood for cardiac protection to be achieved in panic disorder patients.Read moreRead less
Impact Of A Sleep Intervention In Children With ADHD: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,230.00
Summary
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects up to 7.5% of Australian children. Between 50 and 70% of parents also report sleep problems (eg night waking, insomnia) in their child with ADHD. Such sleep problems are associated with poorer child behaviour, concentration, and school attendance as well as poorer parent mental health and work attendance. This randomised controlled trial will determine whether treating sleep problems in children with ADHD can improve these outcomes.
The Pubertal Onset Of Mental Disorders And Early Substance Abuse
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,118,072.00
Summary
Mental disorders and early substance abuse are the most important health problems affecting adolescents and young adults in Australia, yet we have no preventive interventions for mental disorders with strong and sustained effects. Around one half of all mental disorders begin at puberty. This proposal outlines plans for the first study to comprehensively study the onset of mental disorder at this time. It will lay a foundation for the next generation of prevention studies.
Building The Evidence Base For Prevention And Recovery Care Services
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,903.00
Summary
This project involves seven inter-related studies designed to evaluate the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of Victoria's Prevention and Recovery Care Services (PARCS), which are residential services for people with severe mental disorders. The project represents a partnership between universities, PARCS providers, clinical services and the Victorian Government, and will actively engage service users and their carers and other experts