Postpartum Depression: Action Towards Causes And Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$570,699.00
Summary
We will recruit women into a large international study to identify genetic variants that increase risk of perinatal depression using a mobile app. Women who screen positive will be asked to provide a spit sample for DNA.
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.
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
ASPREE-D; Aspirin In The Prevention Of Depression In The Elderly
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$796,784.00
Summary
The ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) study is a 5 year RCT of aspirin (100mg daily) or placebo in 19,000 healthy people over 70. We aim to augment the existing infrastructure of ASPREE in order to confirm the utility of aspirin for the prevention of depression in the elderly (ASPREE-D). The primary aim of ASPREE-D is to determine if use of low-dose aspirin reduces the incidence of de-novo episodes of depression in healthy individuals over 70 years of age.
Long-term Physical Exercise Improves Cognitive Performance Through Neuroimmune Modulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$493,586.00
Summary
This research investigates for how long exercise needs to carried out in order to be beneficial for cognitive function. We choose an animal model which simulates chronic brain inflammation as seen during aging processes of humans and during many inflammatory diseases affecting brain function. This research will unravel the long-term immunomodulatory and protective effects of exercise on brain function as well as the short-term anti-inflammatory effects on brain function.
Neural Trajectories Towards Vulnerability Versus Resilience: A Longitudinal Twin Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,258,288.00
Summary
Resilience not only defines the absence of mental disorder; it defines the ability to positively adapt in the face of adversity. Due to this conceptual ambiguity, little is known of its underlying neurobiology as compared to symptoms like depression and anxiety. This knowledge would aid the development of effective interventions following trauma exposure. We aim to define the first neural profile of resilience in 270 adults, using the twin method to decide novel gene-environment influences.
The GOOD NIGHT Project: A Sleep Intervention To Prevent Depression And Improve Cardiac Health In Adolescence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$902,741.00
Summary
There is a pressing need for effective approaches to preventing depression during adolescence. The primary aim of the project is to assess whether a brief sleep intervention can prevent depression in vulnerable adolescents. Given that sleep interventions also encourage daytime activity, which when combined with improved sleep has potential benefits for cardiovascular health, the secondary aim is to test whether the sleep intervention improves early indicators of cardiovascular risk.
Increasing Engagement With Online Psychosocial Programs To Improve Mental Health In The Community
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$352,317.00
Summary
Online therapy programs have a strong evidence base in reducing mental health symptoms. However, take-up of these programs in the community is limited, and low adherence to these programs limits their impact. This project is a randomised controlled trial testing a novel approach to increasing uptake and adherence to psychosocial online programs, involving acceptance facilitation. Results will inform the dissemination of evidence-based psychosocial programs for a range of health conditions.
A Randomised Double Blind, Placebo-controlled Study Of Nefiracetam In Patients With Post- Stroke Apathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$865,271.00
Summary
A wide range of emotional and cognitive disturbances are observed following stroke. Apathy is expressed by diminished initiation and poor persistence on tasks, lack of interest, emotional indifference and low social engagement. Our preliminary study has suggested that the medication nefiracetam significantly improves apathy among stroke patients. The main aim of our project is to conduct a large scale study to determine whether nefiracetam improves apathy in patients with stroke lesions.
Electrical Stimulation With A “Random Noise” Pattern: A New Approach For The Treatment Of Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$523,160.00
Summary
This study is a world first, examining the use of a novel technology to treat depression by stimulating the brain mildly and non invasively. The study will examine the effectiveness of a 4-week course of Transcranial “Random Noise” Stimulation to treat depression, and will also measure whether improvement in mood is accompanied by a restoration of brain plasticity or adaptability.