The Role Of The Orbitofrontal Cortex In Disorders Of Response Inhibition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$515,488.00
Summary
We will investigate the role of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in decision-making, particularly the effect of hyperactivity in the medial vs. ventrolateral orbitofrontal cortex on decision-making. Hyperactivity in these structures has been linked to obsessive compulsive disorder and, in line with the distinct functions of the different regions of OFC, we develop and test a novel hypothesis as to the psychological and neural bases of the obsessions and compulsions distinctive to that disorder.
Improving Outcomes Of Evidence-based Behaviour Therapy For Paediatric Obsessive-compulsive Disorder: A Translational Efficacy Trial Of D-cycloserine Augmented Intensive Behaviour Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$292,915.00
Summary
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a debilitating mental health condition in childhood, and sadly, only about 50% of children are diagnosis-free following our best treatments. This study will test an innovate and safe treatment alternative, involving combining evidence-based psychological treatment with a small dose of anti-tuberculosis drug, d-Cycloserine.
N-ACETYL CYSTEINE IN THE ADJUNCTIVE TREATMENT OF OBSESSIVE COMPUSLIVE DISORDER: A 16-week, Double-Blind, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$850,448.00
Summary
The aim of our proposed study, is investigate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), an amino-acid based agent in the treatment of 200 adults with diagnosed OCD. The study proposed is a 16-week, doubled-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. If NAC is found to be effective in this study, the treatment of OCD will be strongly influenced, resulting in global impact for the potential alleviation of suffering for those with the mental disorder.
Evaluation Of An Internet-based Cognitive-behavioural Treatment Program For Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$329,266.00
Summary
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common and extremely disabling psychatric disorder. While cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) has been shown to be an effective treatment for OCD, the delivery of such treatment is limited by its cost and shortage of appropriately qualified professionals. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of an internet based CBT program for OCD, which is hoped to result in improved access to a low cost evidence based treatment for all Australians.
Personalised Brain Stimulation For Treatment Of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$666,128.00
Summary
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects more than 230,000 Australians, 25% of whom attempt suicide. This project will use a novel method to profile people with OCD based on patterns of brain activity and symptoms, and assess if such profiling can improve the efficacy of brain stimulation interventions for OCD. Results from this study will provide evidence supporting the use of personalised brain stimulation as a viable therapy for OCD.
Cognitive Control And Brain Connectivity Disturbances In Schizophrenia And Obsessive-compulsive: Clarifying Their Nature, Specificity, And Consequences
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$498,337.00
Summary
Deficits of behavioural control are chronic and debilitating features of both schizophrenia and OCD. As behavioural control depends on activity within many key regions of the brain, these deficits may result not only from dysfunction within one or more region, but also from abnormal interactions between them. By studying how the activity in one region depends on another, and comparing findings between disorders, a better understanding of brain function in schizophrenia and OCD can be established
Differential Changes In Cortical Tumour Necrosis Factor Signalling In Mood Disorders And Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$642,078.00
Summary
Changes in inflammation-related pathways contribute to the symptoms of psychiatric disorders and tumour necrosis factor ? (TNF) is a protein central to regulating theses pathways. We have now shown that changes in pathways regulated by TNF are present in the brains of people with schizophrenia and mood disorders. This means that the symptoms experienced by those with the different disorders may be linked to differential changes in TNF-regulated pathways in the brain.
A Novel Approach To Streamlining The Diagnosis Of Primary Aldosteronism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$269,463.00
Summary
This study will assess a new clinical test used to diagnose a potentially curable form of high blood pressure called primary aldosteronism (PA). If successful, the test will greatly streamline and simplify the diagnosis of this condition, with the potential for enormous cost savings and a markedly increased rate of diagnosis of patients with PA who can then benefit from optimal treatment and improved quality of life.
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.
Brain Connectivity Imaging Markers To Confirm Diagnosis For Bipolar Vs. Unipolar Depression – A Connectome Approach.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$434,369.00
Summary
Differentiating Bipolar disorders from Unipolar Depression is a major clinical challenge. This misdiagnosis hinders optimal clinical care and has many deleterious consequences such self-harm, increased chances of suicide, poor prognosis, and greater health care costs related to this disorder. This project will provide urgently-needed advance in accurate identification of Bipolar disorders using Magnetic Resonance Imaging and remove one of the key obstacles to accurate diagnosis.