Investigations Into The Onset And Persistence Of Severe Health Anxiety (hypochondriasis), And The Development Of Innovative Psychological Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$313,096.00
Summary
This program of research will investigate the cognitive, emotional, and behavioural factors that are involved in the onset and persistence of severe health anxiety (hypochondriasis). It will also test the effectiveness of innovative psychological interventions for the disorder.
Evaluation Of A Case Formulation Interview To Guide Treatment Of Anxious Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$153,054.00
Summary
Anxiety disorders are common in childhood. Current treatments result in improvement for 60% of children however they are not widely used in the community. This project will evaluate a treatment planning interview designed to improve the match between a child’s difficulties and the treatment that they are offered. This will increase the number of children who benefit from treatment, encourage widespread and save money by reducing treatment time and decreasing risk of future problems.
Investigation Of Comorbid Anxiety And Depression In Older Adults (aged 60 Years And Above).
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$189,874.00
Summary
This project is concerned with improving understanding of anxiety and depression in older adults. The project includes investigation into methods for better assessment and detection, and examination of the effectiveness of psychological treatments for these problems. The project also includes experiments to investigate the factors that cause and maintain anxiety and depression in older adults, and how anxiety and depression might present differently from younger adults.
Understanding Relapse In Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Investigation Of Return Of Fear.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$255,014.00
Summary
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is common and results in significant impairment. There are effective psychological treatments for PTSD, yet relapse following treatment remains high. The proposed research will involve a series of experiments and observational studies to better understand the process that lead to relapse in patients receiving treatment for PTSD. The findings of these studies will assist in modifying treatment to ensure that symptom gains are maintained following treatment.
Sleep And Motherhood: Towards A Sustainable Cognitive Behavioural Program For Better Sleep And Wellbeing During Pregnancy And Postpartum Periods.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$286,891.00
Summary
Sleep problems are common during pregnancy and postpartum periods, and are linked to poor maternal mental health and wellbeing. Cognitive behavioural sleep interventions are effective, but not currently available in routine perinatal care. This study examines the efficacy of an innovative evidence-based non-pharmacological intervention for better sleep and wellbeing, with high potential for sustainable integration with routine perinatal care.
Following bereavement, 10%-15% of people suffer prolonged grief (PG) that can cause mental and physical problems for many years. This project will study community and treatment-seeking samples of bereaved people to identify trajectories of grieving, predictors of responding across time, and identify mechanisms of change in treatment of PG. This project represents a significant advance in our understanding of PG and will help reduce the burden of this condition.
Simple Cognitive Behavioural Treatment Of The Symptoms Of Trauma In First Episode Psychosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$173,898.00
Summary
Psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia) are some of the most severe forms for mental disorder. Many people with psychosis have experienced trauma in childhood or as a result of their psychosis, and have developed post-traumatic stress disorder as a result. The aim of the proposed study is to test whether a simple psychological intervention is effective in reducing trauma symptoms in FEP. This has the potential to significantly improve outcomes in FEP.
Treating Insomnia In Patients With Co-existing Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$260,046.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insomnia commonly coexist in the same patient, and can affect how patients adhere to treatment for their OSA. Insomnia can be effectively treated by a clinical psychologist using a technique known as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), but it is currently unclear whether this is effective in patients who also have OSA. This research project will investigate whether treatment of insomnia using CBT in patients who have OSA will improve health outcomes.
The Mental Health Of School-Age Children Who Stutter
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$154,781.00
Summary
Children who stutter face considerable social disadvantages and negative consequences. Adults who stutter have been found to report a significant rate of mental health disorders, yet virtually nothing is known about the presence of such problems in children who stutter. This study will evaluate the prevalence and impact of mental disorders among school-age children who stutter. This research is essential for the provision of adequate speech and psychological treatments for children who stutter.
Risky Business: Improving Understanding Of Young People’s Risky Alcohol Consumption, Drug Use And Sexual Behaviour.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,564.00
Summary
Increasing numbers of young Australians engage in high-risk alcohol and drug use and sexual behaviour, and experience preventable health outcomes such as injuries, violence and sexually transmitted infections. Despite growing concern, we lack understanding about why young adults take risks, which groups are most at risk, and how different drugs, contexts and settings contribute. Using unique datasets and novel analytical strategies I will generate new knowledge to inform public health responses.