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.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Oxytocin Nasal Spray For Alcohol Dependence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$673,035.00
Summary
Alcohol use disorders account for 5% of the worlds burden of disease. Current treatments are very limited. While there is existing animal research, this study determines the benefits of a novel treatment, oxytocin nasal spray, to reduce cravings and drinking levels in dependent populations. Outcomes could establish a new, effective and safe treatment to manage alcohol dependence in the community.
Randomised Controlled Trial Of The Use Of Nitazoxanide Versus Placebo To Treat Gastroenteritis Among Aboriginal Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,324,808.00
Summary
Better treatment strategies are needed for Indigenous children with gastroenteritis. At present, most treatment is supportive only, with little effect on the duration of symptoms. Nitazoxanide appears to have effects on a broad range of pathogens which cause gastroenteritis, but it is not clear whether it will be of benefit in this population. We will compare the speed of symptom resolution in children who receive nitazoxanide with a group who receive a placebo instead.
Randomised Control Trial Of Three Treatments For Adolescent Stutterers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,320.00
Summary
Effective communication is an essential of everyday life, and stuttering impairs this function. Those who stutter may find effective communication impossible, and severe cases may be rendered almost mute. Clinically significant anxiety figures prominently in the disorder with almost half of those seeking treatment warranting a comorbid diagnosis of social phobia. The adolescent years are generally regarded as a difficult time of life, at which time the potential effects of disfigured speech can ....Effective communication is an essential of everyday life, and stuttering impairs this function. Those who stutter may find effective communication impossible, and severe cases may be rendered almost mute. Clinically significant anxiety figures prominently in the disorder with almost half of those seeking treatment warranting a comorbid diagnosis of social phobia. The adolescent years are generally regarded as a difficult time of life, at which time the potential effects of disfigured speech can be devastating. There has been much research and development of treatments for children and adults who stutter, proven effective treatments are available for those age groups. However, little is known about how to treat adolescents who stutter, and there has been little research and development to find the best treatment-s for this age group. The present proposal is for a randomised, controlled trial of three treatments that have been shown recently to have promise as treatment methods for this age group of patients. The trial will compare (1) a treatment that involves biofeedback muscle activity during speech, (2) a treatment that involves biofeedback of voice box activity during speech, and (3) a variant of a standard treatment that trains the speaker in a new speech pattern. The control group will receive no treatment. The trial extends for a period of 12 months after the subjects are randomly allocated to a treatment group or a control group. The subjects' speech will be assessed in a variety of situations in the clinic and during everyday life. The prime outcome measure will be percentage of syllables stuttered, and secondary measures will be the time required for treatment and how natural the patients sound after treatment. At the conclusion of the trial, the subjects in the control group will be given the treatment that was shown to be most effective.Read moreRead less
A Non-inferiority Trial Of Cytisine Versus Varenicline For Smoking Cessation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,885,813.00
Summary
Long-term quit rates via existing behavioural and pharmacological approaches to smoking cessation remain low and there is a need for further evidence-based treatments to complement standard treatment. We will conduct a large-scale trial to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of cytisine compared to existing varenicline treatment. The findings will have direct health care system implications and cytisine, if effective, has the potential to save millions of lives globally.
The PRECISE study is a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial comparing pregabalin in addition to usual care, to placebo in addition to usual care for the treatment of sciatica.
Towards Global Control Of Scabies: Advances In Diagnosis, Treatment And Community Control
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,891.00
Summary
The scabies mite causes severe itch and rash and leads to infections, kidney and heart disease. Scabies affects up to 50% of children in Indigenous communities. We now know most scabies can be prevented, so we urgently need to find the most effective strategies. My research will develop new tests to help doctors to accurately diagnose scabies. I will test new medicines to treat scabies and strategies to prevent scabies and its complications in children, families and entire populations.
Respiratory illness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children is very common with long term consequences in Indigenous Australians. Thus prevention and/or early treatment potentially change the child’s life trajectory for lung health. Partnering key researchers in Brisbane, Sydney, New Zealand and USA, we will undertake appropriate clinical studies (treatment and preventative) that are most likely to improve lung health outcomes in young Indigenous children. We will focus on increasing p ....Respiratory illness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children is very common with long term consequences in Indigenous Australians. Thus prevention and/or early treatment potentially change the child’s life trajectory for lung health. Partnering key researchers in Brisbane, Sydney, New Zealand and USA, we will undertake appropriate clinical studies (treatment and preventative) that are most likely to improve lung health outcomes in young Indigenous children. We will focus on increasing participation of Indigenous people and end-users.Read moreRead less
Multi-site Randomised Controlled Trial Of Fluoxetine In Children And Adolescents With Autism.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$499,482.00
Summary
Fluoxetine is a medication that is increasingly used in children with autism in an attempt to control repetitive behaviours, which substantially interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. However clinicians working in the field of autism and goverment regulatory bodies (such as the TGA) require evidence of the efficacy of fluoxetine for this indication. This study aims to determine this, thereby addressing an important gap in clinical knowledge.
A Controlled Study Of Bilateral Electroconvulsive Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$423,257.00
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment for depression, used in Australia and throughout the world to treat severe depression that has not responded to other treatments. Despite clear evidence of its effectiveness as a treatment, the use of ECT is limited by concerns over memory side effects. This study evaluates a new approach to ECT that has the potential to preserve its effectiveness, while greatly reducing effects on memory.