Molecular And Cellular Characterisation Of Schizophrenia Associated Dysfunction In MicroRNA Biogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$496,205.00
Summary
We have identified substantial changes in the biogenesis of microRNA in schizophrenia. These small non-coding molecules derived from junk DNA, play a significant role in genetic regulation, with each one capable of silencing hundreds of target genes. This has major implications for schizophrenia, which is known to involve substantial changes in gene activity. The project will identify the molecular basis of this alteration in gene silencing, and its biological implications for schizophrenia.
Innovative Responses To Prevention And Treatment Of Mental Disorders And Substance Use.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,490.00
Summary
My vision is to build the world’s leading dedicated translational research program for the prevention and treatment of comorbid mental health and substance abuse. While it is widely recognised that there is significant comorbidity in these two areas they have traditionally been approached in isolation, making it virtually impossible to make significant inroads. I seek to increase our understanding, prevent these where possible and improve treatment responses.
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.
Diagnosing Major Depression In Older Australian Adults: Is There Evidence For Age-related Bias?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$202,839.00
Summary
Epidemiological studies have consistently indicated that the prevalence of depression decreases with increasing age. Researchers have debated whether this finding is a real age-dependent decline or an artefact of sampling and assessment. This study seeks to use statistical methods and cognitive interviewing to investigate the potential for age-related bias in the criteria for major depression. The study will make recommendations to improve the diagnostic methods used diagnose and treat major dep ....Epidemiological studies have consistently indicated that the prevalence of depression decreases with increasing age. Researchers have debated whether this finding is a real age-dependent decline or an artefact of sampling and assessment. This study seeks to use statistical methods and cognitive interviewing to investigate the potential for age-related bias in the criteria for major depression. The study will make recommendations to improve the diagnostic methods used diagnose and treat major depression in the old age.Read moreRead less
Testing A Transgenerational Cycles Of Violence Model In Timor-Leste: Impact Of Maternal Anger On Childhood Aggression.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$881,002.00
Summary
We will examine ways in which war trauma can cause mental disorder and behavioural disturbances in the next generation. We will examine the problem of extreme anger amongst mothers caused by war trauma, domestic violence and other stresses. Mothers with anger may have difficulties parenting their children, resulting in behavioural disturbances in the next generation. In the longer term, these children may show aggressive behaviour that leads to ongoing family and social instability.
Reducing Depression And Suicide Amongst Older Australians: A Clustered Randomised Clinical Trial In Primary Health Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$765,050.00
Summary
Like many industrialised nations, Australia's population is ageing. By the year 2051, the population aged 65 years and over is projected to triple in size, while those over 85 will increase five-fold. The social, financial, and health consequences of a rapidly ageing society cannot be ignored. Accompanying this population explosion will be greater numbers of individuals experiencing age-related physical disorders and disabilities that give rise to social and psychological problems, including dep ....Like many industrialised nations, Australia's population is ageing. By the year 2051, the population aged 65 years and over is projected to triple in size, while those over 85 will increase five-fold. The social, financial, and health consequences of a rapidly ageing society cannot be ignored. Accompanying this population explosion will be greater numbers of individuals experiencing age-related physical disorders and disabilities that give rise to social and psychological problems, including depression and suicide. Suicide rates are very high in later life, with the ratio of men who kill themselves in late old age greater than that found in their youthful counterparts. Depression is most often linked to suicidal behaviour in this age group, with research suggesting that the treatment of this mental disorder may directly lead to a reduction in suicide in the aged. Approximately 80% of older adults will visit their general practitioner at least once per year in Australia, while up to 70% of older people will consult their GP in the month prior to their death by suicide. This suggests that GPs are in the best possible position to detect and manage depression and suicide risk in later life. Unfortunately, depression is consistently reported to be underdiagnosed and undertreated in this setting. The purpose of this study is to determine whether an educational programme targeting Australian GPs can enhance doctors' detection rates of depression and suicide risk, thereby leading to a reduction in depression and suicidal behaviour among those older patients visiting their surgeries.Read moreRead less
Behaviour and emotional problems in young children with developmental delay. This research will provide health professionals, researchers and service providers with a reliable and valid measure to assess behaviour in young children with developmental delay. This will be the first instrument of its kind worldwide. The study will provide the largest and most comprehensive survey of behaviour and emotional problems in young children with developmental delay internationally to date. It will provide ....Behaviour and emotional problems in young children with developmental delay. This research will provide health professionals, researchers and service providers with a reliable and valid measure to assess behaviour in young children with developmental delay. This will be the first instrument of its kind worldwide. The study will provide the largest and most comprehensive survey of behaviour and emotional problems in young children with developmental delay internationally to date. It will provide information on the types of treatment that are needed for these children and what support is needed for their families. The outcomes of this study have the potential to promote the best possible start in life and long term mental health of this group of at risk and disadvantaged young Australians.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354823
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$10,000.00
Summary
National network for the study of cognitive processes and treatment across the phases of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is associated with great costs to the community and individual. Controlled studies have demonstrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is efficacious in treating symptoms of schizophrenia. Studies of cognitive processes have also advanced understanding of psychotic phenomena. This initiative affords the opportunity to
1) Improve treatment efficacy by developing, testing and appl ....National network for the study of cognitive processes and treatment across the phases of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is associated with great costs to the community and individual. Controlled studies have demonstrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is efficacious in treating symptoms of schizophrenia. Studies of cognitive processes have also advanced understanding of psychotic phenomena. This initiative affords the opportunity to
1) Improve treatment efficacy by developing, testing and applying theoretically-driven models of psychotic symptoms.
2) Disseminate the findings of research on CBT for psychotic disorders in clinical settings by (a) training the work-force, and (b) facilitating CBT delivery in routine practice.
3) Apply CBT in various settings with a variety of psychotic populations to test its effectiveness in routine clinical settings.
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Intergenerational Transmission Of PTSD Vulnerability: Does PTSD In A Parent Increase The Risk Of Mental Health Disorders In Their Offspring?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$742,136.00
Summary
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurs after exposure to trauma; more than 1 million Australians suffer from it. By comparing offspring of Vietnam veteran fathers with PTSD with offspring of veteran fathers with no PSTD, this study will test whether there are ripple effects of PTSD in families of Vietnam veterans, whether they are at higher risk of mental health disorders, and whether their mothers can protect them from psychological disorders.