The Outcomes Of Adolescents And Young Adults Who Experience Hallucinations: A Birth Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$624,842.00
Summary
A national survey reported that 1 in every 12 Australian adolescents experiences hallucinations. Although hallucinations are relatively common experiences, it remains unclear if hallucinations in adolescence are associated with mental illness, and impairment in social and occupational functioning in later adulthood. This study aims to examine the outcomes at 30 years of age in subjects from an Australian birth cohort study who experienced hallucinations during adolescence and young adulthood.
Clinical And Neurobiological Predictors Of Onset Of Major Mental Disorders (mania, Psychosis, Severe Depression), And Associated Functional Impairment, In Adolescent And Young Adult Twins: A Prospective Longitudinal Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,356,103.00
Summary
The Brisbane Twin Study is a prospective twin study tracking the real-time developmental trajectories of the onset of anxiety, mood, psychotic or substance misuse disorders through adolescence and young adulthood. This unique study has now reached the point where reassessment (after 20 years) can be performed. We will now determine the extent to which outcomes are predicted by neurobiological and genetic markers. This information is critical to prevention or early intervention strategies.
Epigenetic Mechanisms Of Brain Dysfunction In Psychotic And Mood Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$617,836.00
Summary
This project investigates the role of epigenetic processes (i.e., functional changes to the genome affecting gene expression) in mediating the long-term effects of childhood trauma in schizophrenia and bipolar-I disorder. We specifically aim to distinguish the effects of trauma-related epigenetic effects on brain structure and function, and on the immune and stress-response systems, and the potential moderation of these effects by structural genetic variants associated with psychosis risk.
An Empirical Framework For Assessing Mortality And Morbidity In People With Psychotic Disorders: A 7-year Prospective And 10-year Retrospective Follow-up Of 2075 Participants In The Survey Of High Impact Psychosis (SHIP) Using Linked Registers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$751,876.00
Summary
Our study is designed to fill a knowledge gap on mortality and morbidity in people with a psychotic disorder. It will: 1. Estimate rates of 7-year mortality and morbidity in people with a psychotic disorder. 2. Examine the impact of sets of risk factors on mortality and morbidity. 3. Develop predictive risk equations for CVD for use with people with psychotic disorders. 4. Calculate the economic burden of severe and acute physical morbidity in addition to mental health impacts.?
Balance disorders are very common, but particularly in those conditions that involve the brain 'balance centres' are often difficult for doctors to diagnose. When diseases are difficult to diagnose, then recommending helpful treatment is particularly challenging. We will use a group of specialized tests to better understand these balance conditions in order to help patients receive accurate diagnoses and therefore, better treatment.
Dopamine-2 Receptor Antibody In Movement And Psychiatric Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,783.00
Summary
Autoimmune movement and psychiatric disorders are a common cause of neurological disability young adults and adolescents. We have identified a subgroup of patients whose disease is associated with an autoimmune reaction. Our study will identify the earliest immune responses against the brain in children with autoimmune movement and psychiatric disorders. Identifying these early immune responses will allow early and directed treatments to prevent disability and death in the future.
Multivariate Whole Genome Estimation And Prediction Analysis Of Genomics Data Applied To Psychiatric Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$639,582.00
Summary
We have made major contributions to the development of statistical methods applied to data from the international Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. Major new data sets will soon become available, with immense sample sizes (100,000s) and more extensive clinical and environmental data. We will develop and apply novel statistical analyses of these data, to answer fundamental questions about the genetic basis of psychiatric disorders and the interplay of genetic and environmental risk factors.
Epigenetic Impacts Of Paternal Experience On Offspring Anxiety And Cognition: Molecular Mediators And Therapeutic Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$681,162.00
Summary
Stress and physical activity are two of the major lifestyle factors impacting on human health, including brain disorders. We have recently discovered that stress and exercise in male mice can impact the phenotype of offspring. We will study molecules in the sperm of these fathers, and in the brains of offspring to understand the mechanisms involved. There is evidence that lifestyle factors in men prior to conception impact on their children and this research has major public health implications.
Inflammatory Cytokines As Risk Factors For The Development Of Both Depression And Osteoporosis In Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$381,091.00
Summary
Both depression and osteoporosis impose a substantial public health burden on society and there is now research to suggest that these conditions are related. This study will examine a potential common mechanism, systemic inflammation, which may underlie both diseases. It will focus on markers of systemic inflammation, examine their association to both depression and bone fragility and determine what role they play in explaining the relationship between the disorders.
Novel Epidemiological Methods To Infer The Causal Effects Of Risk Factors On Neuropsychiatric And Cardiovascular Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$182,003.00
Summary
Epidemiological studies, which associate risk factors and disease, are central in informing public health policy. Because causality is difficult to ascertain from these associations, public health interventions based on these findings are at some risk of failure. We propose to develop, extend and apply an innovative epidemiological approach, Mendelian randomization (MR) to resolve the causal relationship between risk factors and neuropsychiatric and cardiovascular disorders.