Nutritional Psychiatry: Extending The Evidence And Ensuring Translation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,238,220.00
Summary
While poor diet is the leading contributor to illness and premature death globally, mental disorders account for the leading cause of disability. I have led the field internationally in establishing, for the first time, that diet quality and mental health are linked and have established a new field of research and clinical practice ‘Nutritional Psychiatry’. My program of research will now extend the evidence base and facilitate translation of this new knowledge into policy and practice.
I am a psychologist and epidemiologist working in the field of suicide prevention. I am proposing a program of work that will systematically evaluate a range of suicide prevention initiatives for particular at-risk groups using novel evaluation methodolog
An Investigation Into The Policies And Provision Of Seclusion In Three Health Care Settings In South Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$61,088.00
Summary
The study will investigate the policies and practices of seclusion in both traditional nursing and corrections health clinical settings in South Australia; a much under-researched but, nevertheless, important and contentious area. It will compare and contrast the formal policies and guidelines pertaining to seclusion and its place within the therapeutic philosophy of the facility. It will also consider the de facto practices, the physical provisions for seclusion areas and their relationship to ....The study will investigate the policies and practices of seclusion in both traditional nursing and corrections health clinical settings in South Australia; a much under-researched but, nevertheless, important and contentious area. It will compare and contrast the formal policies and guidelines pertaining to seclusion and its place within the therapeutic philosophy of the facility. It will also consider the de facto practices, the physical provisions for seclusion areas and their relationship to the wider ward environment, the ward audit and records of the use of seclusion and related practice. Furthermore, through interviews with direct care staff, it will examine personal and professional reflections on these issues and begin to develop recommendations for best practice. Therefore, by virtue of its clinical and service focus in Nursing and allied health areas, it falls within the criteria for Special Initiative Funding.Read moreRead less
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.
Selective Modulation Of Neural Network Activity Using Focal Brain Stimulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,496.00
Summary
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been touted as a viable treatment for a range of psychiatric and neurological disorders. However, the extent to which localised TMS influences widespread brain networks remains unknown. To fill this gap, we will combine neuroimaging and TMS in healthy adults. The project will provide a scientific foundation for the use of brain stimulation as an effective tool for improving function in a range of clinical conditions.