Single-focussed Versus Integrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy For Co-occurring Depression And Alcohol Use Problems
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$777,500.00
Summary
This study is significant and timely in that it proposes a large-scale randomised controlled trial of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for people with co-occurring depression and alcohol use problems. To date, very few researchers have conducted research within this population, whose complex presentation makes it difficult for treatment providers to select and deliver effective treatment programs. Thus, although rates of depressive disorders and alcohol use problems are on the increase in our c ....This study is significant and timely in that it proposes a large-scale randomised controlled trial of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for people with co-occurring depression and alcohol use problems. To date, very few researchers have conducted research within this population, whose complex presentation makes it difficult for treatment providers to select and deliver effective treatment programs. Thus, although rates of depressive disorders and alcohol use problems are on the increase in our community, it is still not clear how best to manage and treat this group of people. Typically, people will often receive treatment for one part of their presentation, for example their depression or alcohol use problem. However, it is uncommon for the two conditions to be treated in an integrated way. This is certainly true for psychological treatments. Research programs to date have explored effective treatments for depression and alcohol use in the absence of the co-occurring condition. Currently it is not known how well people with co-occurring alcohol use problems and depression respond to treatments with a singular focus. Furthermore, it is not known whether integrating both alcohol use and depressive treatment approaches provides any additional benefit. This study is therefore significant, as it is one of the first to explore effective treatment approaches among people with co-occurring depressive and alcohol use problems. Resolution of these issues will better inform the treatment choices of clinicians practicing in both mental health and alcohol-other drug settings. Importantly, this will potentially improve the match between treatment and people with depression and substance use problems, a clinically prevalent population encountered in community settings.Read moreRead less
Longitudinal Treatment Outcomes For Methamphetamine Dependence: A Treatment Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$720,500.00
Summary
Australia has a substantial and growing population of problematic stimulant users, namely dependent or injecting methamphetamine users, with methamphetamine injection accounting for one-third of all injecting drug use. Methamphetamine dependence has been associated with serious physical and mental health problems, including psychosis, depression, stroke and general poor health and wellbeing. Increasing numbers of people are presenting for treatment of methamphetamine dependence and many are expe ....Australia has a substantial and growing population of problematic stimulant users, namely dependent or injecting methamphetamine users, with methamphetamine injection accounting for one-third of all injecting drug use. Methamphetamine dependence has been associated with serious physical and mental health problems, including psychosis, depression, stroke and general poor health and wellbeing. Increasing numbers of people are presenting for treatment of methamphetamine dependence and many are experiencing other psychiatric problems like drug-induced psychosis and depression. Currently little is known about people who present for treatment of methamphetamine dependence, including how many have other serious mental health problems that need treatment in their own right. Nor is it known whether the treatment they receive for their methamphetamine use is effective in reducing their drug use or improving their mental health status. The current study will provide much needed information on people seeking treatment for methamphetamine dependence in Australia, including their psychiatric status, and whether the treatment they receive for methamphetamine dependence is effective in reducing their drug use and related health problems or improving their mental health status. These aims will be met by assessing drug use, psychiatric status, treatment experience as well as general health and well being among a cohort of people entering treatment for methamphetamine use in Sydney. Responses to treatment will be assessed at 3 months and 12 months following treatment entry and outcomes will be compared to a group of methamphetamine users not receiving treatment. This is the first study in Australia to assess the effectiveness of treatment that is provided to methamphetamine users in an everyday treatment setting. It is also the first study internationally to focus on treatment outcome for methamphetamine dependence in a community setting.Read moreRead less
Living In A Rural Community:determinants And Consequences Of Mental Health And Wellbeing.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$729,415.00
Summary
Th e proposed study will investigate individual, family and community factors associated with the mental health and wellbeing of residents in rural communties of NSW. It will also examine rural residents' perceptions of their mental health needs and their access and utilisation of health services. The study will be conducted in 3 rural Area Health Services in NSW (Greater Western,Hunter New England and North Coast) comprising 70% of the rural population of NSW. These health regions encompass rur ....Th e proposed study will investigate individual, family and community factors associated with the mental health and wellbeing of residents in rural communties of NSW. It will also examine rural residents' perceptions of their mental health needs and their access and utilisation of health services. The study will be conducted in 3 rural Area Health Services in NSW (Greater Western,Hunter New England and North Coast) comprising 70% of the rural population of NSW. These health regions encompass rural, remote and coastal NSW. We aim to conduct the mail and telephone survey on adults residing in 4000 households across the 3 regions. Unique aspects of the study include: i) Examination of a diverse range of rural communities which will provide the opportunity to investigate the influence and interaction of specific community characteristics on mental health. These community factors will include social and economic factors, severity of rural environmental stress (eg drought), and the levels of access to health and other services. ii) Focus on the household and its members so as to examine the mental health needs of family groups in rural communities. This cross-sectional study will form the baseline for a longitudinal study investigating the changes experienced by rural families over time and the impact of such change on mental health outcomes.Read moreRead less