Increasing Engagement With Online Psychosocial Programs To Improve Mental Health In The Community
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$352,317.00
Summary
Online therapy programs have a strong evidence base in reducing mental health symptoms. However, take-up of these programs in the community is limited, and low adherence to these programs limits their impact. This project is a randomised controlled trial testing a novel approach to increasing uptake and adherence to psychosocial online programs, involving acceptance facilitation. Results will inform the dissemination of evidence-based psychosocial programs for a range of health conditions.
A RCT Of Depression Prevention In Adolescents: The Future Proofing Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,183,738.00
Summary
Prevention is better than cure. Adolescence is when 50% of mental health problems emerge. We know we can prevent depression in 22% of young people at risk. However, the major problem is providing these prevention interventions easily and universally. Using 20,000 young people, this research aims to discover how to use smartphones to deliver prevention interventions in the real world, to improve prevention rates, and to determine the triggers associated with the onset of mental health problems.
Australian Longitudinal Study Of Heroin Dependence: An 18-20yr Prospective Cohort Study Of Mortality, Abstinence, And Psychiatric And Physical Health Comorbidity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,210,319.00
Summary
The burden associated with heroin dependence is undeniable. But little is known about the natural history and long-term course of heroin dependence; knowledge that is critical for informing the development of new treatment interventions, health care planning and service delivery. We propose to extend our study of 615 Australians with heroin dependence, recruited in 2001-2002, to 18-20 years follow-up to answer critical questions about the long-term impact of this condition.
Australian Longitudinal Study Of Heroin Dependence: A 11 Year Prospective Cohort Study Of Mortality, Abstinence, Criminality And Psychiatric Comorbidity Among Heroin Users
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,295.00
Summary
To conduct the longest and most comprehensive prospective follow-up of Australian heroin users. A 11 year follow-up presents the unique opportunity to examine: Mortality rates, remission rates, criminal histories and levels of psychopathology ; Predictive factors of long term remission, mortality, criminality and the health service utilisation associated with heroin use careers.
Displaced Twice? Investigating The Impact Of The Queensland Floods On The Wellbeing And Settlement Of A Cohort Of Men From Refugee Backgrounds Living In Brisbane And Toowoomba
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$259,771.00
Summary
What can we learn from resettled refugees' ability to adapt to extreme weather disasters? Between 2008 and 2010, the SettleMEN project documented the health and settlement outcomes of 233 refugee men living in urban and regional areas of Southeast Queensland. Some of these men lived in or close to areas that were affected by the January 2011 floods. This follow-up study aims at investigating longer-term settlement and the impact of the floods on this group of refugee men and their families
An Investigation Of The Effects Of Higher Plasma Glucose In The Normal Range On Cerebral Health.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$727,524.00
Summary
Until recently it has been assumed that variation in blood sugar levels within the normal range in non-diabetics is innocuous. Recent findings from our team suggest that high normal sugar levels present risks to brain and cognitive health. This project will investigate in detail the extent to which higher sugar levels in healthy individuals living in the community are associated with brain changes over time, and whether these changes are associated with cognitive decline in middle- and old-age.
Anxiety and depression are common during early- to mid-adulthood and a major cause of disability. Few studies track individuals over this age range or assess how their experience of anxiety/depression affects them at midlife when many of life’s work, family and personal achievements coalesce. The PATH to Midlife project extends an existing community survey to understand the patterns of anxiety and depression from early to mid-adulthood and identify the personal, social and economic consequences.
Pubertal Transitions In Mental Health And Behaviour: The PHASE-A Study Of Social Roleand Lifestyle Transitions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,656,785.00
Summary
Over the past four decades problems such as depression, anxiety, self-harm and substance abuse have increased in young people. Recent research indicates that puberty is a time when these problems commonly first emerge. This five-year study of 4000 students will examine a question of whether social transitions that are too soon (e.g. early initiation of sex) or problematic (e.g. bullying from peers) may explain the increase in these health problems as children pass through puberty.
Self-help For Depression And Diabetes-related Distress In People With Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$890,967.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a serious and disabling disease affecting 900,000 Australians. Depression is twice as common in people with T2D and is linked with poorer self-care and blood glucose control, greater risk of diabetes complications and increased death. The project will evaluate an internet and mobile-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy program ‘myCompass’ in improving depression symptoms, self-care and blood glucose control in diabetes patients with mild to severe depression.
Randomised Control Trial Of Exercise For The Management Of Cannabis Withdrawal In Adult Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$542,036.00
Summary
This project will evaluate a novel approach to cannabis detoxification. It is hypothesized that undertaking an exercise intervention will reduce cannabis withdrawal symptoms by stimulating the release of cannabis-like compounds produced by the body and/or through promoting the release of THC (the main psychoactive component of cannabis) from fat stores. The potential public health, research and clinical implications are considerable, particularly given the high accessibility of the intervention.