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Gene - Environment Interactions As Predictors Of Clinical Outcome In At Risk Mental State
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,033,620.00
Summary
The grant aims to identify the interactive genetic, clinical and environmental determinants involved in the development, severity and outcome of schizophrenia. Translation to clinical practice will be facilitated by experimental and risk assessment bioinformatics research. This will enable the (i) identification of modifiable biological and cognitive mechanisms and (ii) construction of tools which can be used for the early prediction of transition to psychotic disorder and outcome monitoring. Th ....The grant aims to identify the interactive genetic, clinical and environmental determinants involved in the development, severity and outcome of schizophrenia. Translation to clinical practice will be facilitated by experimental and risk assessment bioinformatics research. This will enable the (i) identification of modifiable biological and cognitive mechanisms and (ii) construction of tools which can be used for the early prediction of transition to psychotic disorder and outcome monitoring. This study will identify the factors that translate genetic vulnerability to schizophrenia into overt illness. The key risk factors of stress and substance use and other environmental features will be studied as part of randomised clinical trials in young people with early symptoms who are at immediate risk of schizophrenia. This study forms part of a much larger international program of research focusing on clarifying how the vulnerability to schizophrenia develops and how it can ultimately be preventedRead moreRead less
A Comparative Clinical Efficacy Trial Of Treatments For Melancholia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$309,711.00
Summary
This study seeks to improve treatment of melancholic depression by comparing three treatments, i) a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), ii) cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and, iii) a broad-spectrum antidepressant sequencing treatment approach. We hypothesize that the latter will be superior to both i) SSRI monotherapy, and ii) CBT monotherapy, over a 12-week trial period. Comparisons will be made with the US-based Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression trial.
Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) And Osteoporosis: Mechanisms And Clinical Consequences
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$422,964.00
Summary
Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat depression. Serotonin is not unique to the brain but is also used by other cells in the body, including bone cells. In this project the influence of SSRIs on human osteoclast and osteoblast formation and function will be investigated in a laboratory. Additionally, the impact of SSRI use on bone loss and fracture risk in a community sample of women and men will be investigated. These studies will determine if exposure to ....Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat depression. Serotonin is not unique to the brain but is also used by other cells in the body, including bone cells. In this project the influence of SSRIs on human osteoclast and osteoblast formation and function will be investigated in a laboratory. Additionally, the impact of SSRI use on bone loss and fracture risk in a community sample of women and men will be investigated. These studies will determine if exposure to SSRIs adversely impact bone health.Read moreRead less
Schizophrenia research is constrained by difficulty in achieving large samples for research into the causal role of genetic factors in this complex disease. The Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank will comprise a large sample of schizophrenia probands (N-1000 initially) and their first-degree relatives (N-2 per proband) with linked clinical, cognitive, neuroanatomical and genetic data. These data will be available to Australian researchers to study the genetic underpinnings of this disease an ....Schizophrenia research is constrained by difficulty in achieving large samples for research into the causal role of genetic factors in this complex disease. The Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank will comprise a large sample of schizophrenia probands (N-1000 initially) and their first-degree relatives (N-2 per proband) with linked clinical, cognitive, neuroanatomical and genetic data. These data will be available to Australian researchers to study the genetic underpinnings of this disease and its subtypes, leading to improved treatments and preventative strategies.Read moreRead less
Effectiveness Of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy For Preventing Depressive Relapse In Subjects At Very High Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,317.00
Summary
More than one in twenty Australians experience depression in a single year and it is commonly a relapsing disorder. At least 60% of people who have had a depressive episode will have another, the vast majority within two years of the index episode, 70% of those who have had two episodes will have a third, and 90% of those with three episodes will have a fourth. The economic burden of depression in Australia has been estimated as perhaps $2.8 billion annually. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy ....More than one in twenty Australians experience depression in a single year and it is commonly a relapsing disorder. At least 60% of people who have had a depressive episode will have another, the vast majority within two years of the index episode, 70% of those who have had two episodes will have a third, and 90% of those with three episodes will have a fourth. The economic burden of depression in Australia has been estimated as perhaps $2.8 billion annually. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an innovative psychological treatment, combining principles of cognitive therapy and mindfulness meditation. It is designed to prevent depressive relapse in people who have recovered from depressive episodes. MBCT aims to teach people to become more aware of, and to relate differently to, their thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations; in particular, to view these thoughts and feelings as passing events in the mind rather than identifying with them. Through gaining these skills in increased awareness of thoughts and feelings, participants in the treatment learn to avoid negative ruminations, which have a powerful role in triggering relapses of depression. Primarily this study aims to examine the effectiveness of MBCT for the first time in Australians with a history of recurring depression. As a large multi-site investigation it will establish the feasibility of bringing MBCT into routine practice in both urban and rural areas of Australia. The study also aims to establish whether the mechanisms by which MBCT is proposed to work - by decreasing rumination, increasing levels of mindfulness and self-awareness - do in fact operate. We also hope to establish whether MBCT also has any impact on anxiety, another disabling condition that commonly occurs with depression. This study will enhance evidence as to whether the treatment of MBCT should be recommended routinely to sufferers with repeated episodes of major depression.Read moreRead less
The Transmission Of Perinatal Maternal Mental Health To Preschool Emotional Disorders: Examining Pathways And Intervention Points In The MPEWS Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$970,795.00
Summary
While it is known that depression, anxiety and stress in pregnancy increase the risk for poorer child mental health, what is unknown is the key pathways and intervention points to prevent this transmission of risk. This study will examine potential mechanisms and intervention points through a selected cohort study: Mercy Pregnancy and Emotional Wellbeing Study. This study follows 500 women and their children from first trimester in pregnancy until the children are 3 years of age.
Adjunctive Hormone Therapy For Treatment Resistant Depression In Perimenopausal Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,946.00
Summary
Women entering the menopause have increased rates of treatment resistant depression with poor response to standard antidepressant treatment. We propose to conduct a clinical trial of a novel adjunctive hormone, tibolone, to improve the outcomes for middle – aged women with severe depression.