A Dimensional-spectrum Model Of Mental Disorders: Developing New Assessments To Improve The Diagnostic Validity Of Multiple Mental Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,860.00
Summary
Advances in the scientific literature have highlighted that significant improvements to validity and clinical utility can be made through the use of a dimensional-spectrum model of psychopathology. To encourage the future use of the dimensional-spectrum model, the current research project aims to develop and test an innovative and novel assessment tool for diagnosing mental disorders in community and clinical populations using a dimensional-spectrum model as the guiding theoretical framework.
Enhancing The Capacity Of Mental Health Services To Review, Personalise And Intervene Early Through Implementation Of Real-time Outcome Monitoring
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$181,065.00
Summary
By monitoring functioning and symptom changes experienced by severe mental illness patients in their living environments, mental health services can identify those experiencing decline earlier and hence deliver appropriate and timely interventions. However, monitoring is currently poorly implemented in Australian mental health services and inadequately supported by national policy. The applicant proposes to address this evidence-practice gap through a mobile phone-based monitoring system.
The Development Of An Effective Response For The Management Of Suicidality In Primary Care For Patients With Depressive Symptoms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$98,238.00
Summary
This study aims to improve the identification of and response to suicidality in primary care for people with depressive symptoms. It will utilise diamond collected as part of the diamond study, a mixed methods cohort study on depression in primary care. It will be the first study in suicidality research to investigate the natural history trajectories of suicidal ideation and health service use over time in a primary care cohort with depressive symptoms.
Mental Health And Substance Use: Understanding, Preventing And Treating
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$268,065.00
Summary
Mental & substance use disorders account for more years of disability than any other disorder. In young adults the top 10 causes of burden of disease are dominated by mental and substance use disorders. I lead an international program of research in the combined areas of mental health & substance abuse, and am recognised as a leading international expert. My research aims to increase our understanding of drug & alcohol and mental disorders, prevent where possible and improve treatment responses.
Improving The Evidence Base For Suicide Prevention Initiatives
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,209.00
Summary
The burden of suicide persists partly because we don’t know what works and what doesn’t work in suicide prevention. Relatively little research effort has been invested in studies that can tell us how best to direct resources. The problem is compounded by a disconnect between researchers and decision-makers. Through this Fellowship, Jane Pirkis will develop and implement a model for working with decision-makers to generate the best possible evidence upon which to base suicide prevention policy.
Implementing A Needs-based Evidence-driven Primary Health Care Workforce Planning Model To Describe The Multidisciplinary Primary Health Care Team Necessary To Deliver Best Practice In Community Mental Health Care And Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,104.00
Summary
Mental illness is a major source of disease burden, with high levels of unmet need, particularly in disadvantaged groups. An innovative needs-based, evidence-driven health workforce model is to be applied to mental health, to describe the multidisciplinary primary care team required to meet the mental health needs of the population. Conducting this work in partnership with government; mental health and strategic planning divisions will support evidence translation to enhance mental wellbeing.
The Australian Perinatal Mental Health Reforms: Using Population Data To Evaluate Their Impact On Service Utilisation And Related Cost-effectiveness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$526,169.00
Summary
Mental health problems associated with pregnancy and the first postnatal year are a major public health problem. This unique project will use large data sets to examine whether key Australian mental health reforms have improved maternal health outcomes and if they are providing ‘value for money’. This project will put Australia at the forefront of policy planning, analysis and health service evaluation in the field of mental health.
Developing Better Models Of Outcome For Psychotic Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$458,695.00
Summary
Research on psychosis has been focused on developing treatments for hallucinations and delusions. However, ‘outcome’ is multifaceted and must embrace functioning, and quality of life. A/Prof Cotton will develop models will comprehensively capture ‘whole person’ outcomes for people who have experienced psychosis. Understanding how the disease impacts on the individual will enable better service planning, and refinement and development of treatments for patients with psychosis.
Improving Outcomes For People With Acute Mental Illness In The Emergency Department: A Data Linkage Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$251,470.00
Summary
Currently, there is a lack of integration between emergency and mental health information systems. This means it is difficult for clinicians to comprehensively understand a patient’s interaction with other services – an important aspect when making treatment decisions. Our study will link 5 years of information from health, police and national death databases. This will identify areas where emergency services can be improved for vulnerable people seeking help for their mental health problem.