Emerging Severe Mental Illness In Young People: Clinical Staging, Neurobiology, Prediction & Intervention From Vulnerabi
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,229,421.00
Summary
Mental disorders, such as psychotic and severe mood disorders, are the largest cause of disability in Australia. However, there is still little known about illness onset, relapse and progression. We have developed a clinical staging model with transition points from symptomfree to subthreshold status, to threshold disorder to chronic disability. We will investigate neurobiological and psychosocial factors which increase the risk of progression through these stages and use this model as a basis f ....Mental disorders, such as psychotic and severe mood disorders, are the largest cause of disability in Australia. However, there is still little known about illness onset, relapse and progression. We have developed a clinical staging model with transition points from symptomfree to subthreshold status, to threshold disorder to chronic disability. We will investigate neurobiological and psychosocial factors which increase the risk of progression through these stages and use this model as a basis for examining the effectiveness of interventions, for example to prevent, delay or ameliorate onset and relapse, and promote vocational recovery. Thus major clinical and public health benefits and an understanding of factors that contribute to the onset and progression of illness will result.Read moreRead less
Younger-onset Dementia: Improving Patient And Care Outcomes Through Advancements In Diagnosis And The Identificaiton Of Genetic And Environmental Factors Which Influence Outcomes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$227,261.00
Summary
This project aims to fully characterise symptoms of YOD and correlate these with existing and novel investigations. Carers' needs,including their psychiatric symptoms and burden will also be studied. Guidelines can be developed to assist primary care and other services to improve their ability to recognise early symptoms so they can refer patients for appropriate assessment in a timely manner, thus reducing diagnostic delay and ultimately benefiting patients and carers
Development And Evaluation Of An Internet-based Clinic For Stuttering.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,200,965.00
Summary
Stuttering is a prevalent disorder of speech production. The program of research will establish the world’s first Internet-based stuttering clinic to service all the clinical needs of child, adolescent and adult patients. The Internet-based clinic model will provide economical, scalable and translatable stuttering treatments that will, for the first time, provide a means to adequately manage the public health problem of stuttering.
Mental and substance use disorders account for more years of life lost due to disability than any other disorders. These disorders often occur together (comorbidity), yet, people with both mental and substance use disorders rarely have both disorders effectively treated. This CRE is a world first, tackling prevention and treatment for people with both mental and substance use disorders.
The Fish Oil Youth Depression Study: A Randomised, Double Blind, Placebo-controlled Treatment Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,193,322.00
Summary
Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (‘fish oil’) can reduce symptoms of depression. This, and the fact that they do not cause major side effects and are considered health beneficial, makes them an ideal candidate for early and preventive treatment. Through a controlled trial in tandem with a comprehensive basic research program, we aim to establish long-chain omega-3 fatty acids as first-line treatment for indicated prevention of severe mood disorders and as an alternative to antidepressant medicatio ....Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (‘fish oil’) can reduce symptoms of depression. This, and the fact that they do not cause major side effects and are considered health beneficial, makes them an ideal candidate for early and preventive treatment. Through a controlled trial in tandem with a comprehensive basic research program, we aim to establish long-chain omega-3 fatty acids as first-line treatment for indicated prevention of severe mood disorders and as an alternative to antidepressant medication in adolescents.Read moreRead less
Responding To Multi-morbidity And Social Disadvantage Through General Practice: Practical Approaches To Understanding Best Practice And Incorporating Patient Views
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,387.00
Summary
I am a General Practitioner researcher focused on the problems related to chronic illness and social disadvantage. People living in disadvantaged circumstances suffer more chronic illnesses and the burden from those illnesses is greater for them. GPs trying to meet the needs of those patients face greater challenges. My research will identify strategies for enhancing the care provided and the experiences of patients in General Practice when faced with these difficulties.
Depression In Primary Care: Investigating Burden And Identifying Opportunities For Change
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
This research follows a cohort of primary care patients with depressive symptoms over 10 years. Data provided by participants will be used to identify the risk factors for chronic depression and this information will be used to develop novel ways to manage this common, but complex, condition in the general practice setting.
BPSD-CARE: A Person-centred Approach To Managing Behavioural And Psychological Symptoms Of Dementia In Residential Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,627.00
Summary
In residential aged care many people with dementia experience disturbing behavioural problems such as wandering, aggression or sleep disturbance. Not only the person with dementia but also other residents, family and staff find these symptoms disturbing. This study will adapt and trial a structured staff training program from Sweden to reduce behavioural problems in people with dementia, improve wellbeing for the person with dementia and give staff better skills to care for residents.
Developing Social Media Based Approaches To Youth Suicide Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$319,831.00
Summary
This project aims to capitalise on the popularity and accessibility of social media by developing a suite of suicide prevention tools that can be delivered via these types of platform. Examples of interventions include mood tracking and safety-planning tools delivered as mobile phone apps, and personal stories (vox pops) delivered via platforms such as Facebook and/or YouTube. The project will engage young people in every stage of intervention planning, development and evaluation.
Revolutionising Alcohol Dependence Treatment: Targeting Individual Genetic And Psychological Risk Through Clinical Decision Support Systems
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$446,023.00
Summary
Alcohol misuse impacts significantly Australia’s health. More effective treatments are needed. Computer-based, decision-making tools improve treatment outcomes. Based on genetic and psychological prognostic information provided by these decision-making tools, individual patient’s strengths and weaknesses can be identified and targeted in treatment. We expect this will significantly improve treatment outcomes in this chronic, relapsing condition.