The Effect Of High-dose Vitamin-D Supplementation On Mental Health In A Randomised, Controlled Trial Of 1500 Older Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$81,965.00
Summary
Vitamin D is commonly deficient in Western populations, more so in the winter months and in the elderly. A link between depression and vitamin D insufficiency may exist. This study aims to see if vitamin-D supplementation is a practical health intervention for depressive symptoms and may define a public health strategy. In this study participants receive a dose of vitamin D3 or placebo annually for three years. Self-rated psychiatric assessments are administered.
A Controlled Study Of Bilateral Electroconvulsive Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$423,257.00
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment for depression, used in Australia and throughout the world to treat severe depression that has not responded to other treatments. Despite clear evidence of its effectiveness as a treatment, the use of ECT is limited by concerns over memory side effects. This study evaluates a new approach to ECT that has the potential to preserve its effectiveness, while greatly reducing effects on memory.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy For Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In Police Officers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$190,255.00
Summary
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant anxiety disorder that affects many serving police officers. Although cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is the treatment of choice to treat PTSD, it has never been validated in police offcers. This project represents the first controlled trial of applying CBT to reduce PTSD in police officers.
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy For Medication-resistant Psychosis: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$558,200.00
Summary
In spite of advances in medication, approximately one third of people with schizophrenia continue to experience distressing symptoms such as hearing voices and paranoia. Psychological 'talking treatments' are effective in helping people to cope with and be less distressed by these experiences. This study will be the first trial of a new psychological treatment, called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which may be more effective, briefer and more easily provided than existing approaches.
Randomised Trial Of Homocysteine Lowering Treatment Of Depression In Later Life (B-VITAge)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$775,530.00
Summary
The causes of depression in later life are varied and complex, but available evidence suggests that cardiovascular disease plays an important role. High homocysteine (a robust risk factor for myocardial infarction and strokes) accounts for about 20% of all cases of depression in older age. We have previously shown that treatment with vitamins B12, B6 and folate reduces homocysteine. We propose to run a trial to test if lowering homocysteine decreases the severity and prevalence of depression.