Mapping The Specific Pathways To Early-onset Mental Health Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,287,730.00
Summary
The foundations of mental health versus disorder are laid early. Individual differences in vulnerability can be identified early in the child's emotionality, social attention, impulsivity, and quality of parenting. This study examines how these systems emerge to coalesce into the major forms of psychopathology in the first 5 years of life.The results will identify critical variables in the early prevention of psychiatric disorders.
The Aetiology Of Alcohol Use Disorders In Adulthood: A Generational Perspective
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$630,927.00
Summary
This study aims to investigate the causes of alcohol problems in adult Australians. We will follow-up participants from a birth cohort study who are now in their thirties. We will assess long term outcomes from in-utero exposure to alcohol and biological, developmental and genetic predictors of alcohol disorders in adulthood. This study also aims to study genetic factors which may be important in the development of alcohol abuse and dependence.
Physical Activity For Young People With Depression: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial To Test The Effectiveness Of Incorporating A Brief Intervention Into Routine Clinical Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,678,739.00
Summary
Depression and physical activity in young people are linked: lack of physical activity is a risk-factor for depression and physical activity can improve symptoms of depression. Physical activity is not routinely provided as an intervention, despite its potential to improve immediate treatment outcomes and prevent poor physical health. This study will evaluate an intervention that aims to include a brief physical activity intervention in routine clinical care for young people with depression.
Understanding Illness Trajectories And Developing Novel Therapies For Individuals With Psychosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$640,210.00
Summary
Understanding how the psychosis impacts on the patient and family will enable better planning of services and treatment, and facilitate the introduction of new rehabilitation/therapy options for patients at first episode of psychosis and beyond.
The Biology Of Risk For Bipolar Disorder: Genetic Effects In A High-risk Longitudinal Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$856,412.00
Summary
Bipolar disorder is a severe mood disorder affecting over 350,000 Australians. Some children of bipolar disorder patients will also become ill, although currently we have no tools to predict which of these genetically at-risk young individuals will eventually develop symptoms. This study will use genetic information plus brain structural changes to predict which at-risk individuals are likely to become ill. This study will help elucidate early clinical and biological markers of bipolar disorder.
Studying The Molecular Basis Of Schizophrenia In A Large, Globally Competitive Indian Sample
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$998,040.00
Summary
This study will attempt to identify genetic factors contributing to the development of schizophrenia, a severe mental illness which causes an immense burden on families. In India, there are 7-8 million sufferers, with approximately 30-40% untreated, especially in rural areas. We aim to recruit over 2000 people with and 3000 without schizophrenia, and analyse DNA to identify schizophrenia susceptibility genes. This may lead to better treatments and earlier diagnosis.
Identifying EQTLs And Endophenotyping Known CNVs In A Large Australian Schizophrenia Sample
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$902,472.00
Summary
This study hopes to identify genetic code variations associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia . We will study variation in gene expression levels in patients and healthy controls to identify underlying changes in the genetic code responsible. In a subset of patients with schizophrenia and known rare copy number variations (CNVs) in the genetic code we will conduct brain scans and psychological tests to characterize the effect of CNVs on brain structure and function in schizophrenia.
The Efficacy Of An Intervention For PTSD Among Illicit Drug Users
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$580,219.00
Summary
The high prevalence of PTSD among people with illicit drug use disorders (IDUD) has been clearly recognised in both the Australian and international literature. In Australia, 33% of those with opioid use disorders and 24% of those with amphetamine use disorders have comorbid PTSD. The prevalence among people with alcohol use disorders on the other hand, is comparably low (5%). Despite the high prevalence of PTSD among people with IDUD, research on treatment responses to this significant problem ....The high prevalence of PTSD among people with illicit drug use disorders (IDUD) has been clearly recognised in both the Australian and international literature. In Australia, 33% of those with opioid use disorders and 24% of those with amphetamine use disorders have comorbid PTSD. The prevalence among people with alcohol use disorders on the other hand, is comparably low (5%). Despite the high prevalence of PTSD among people with IDUD, research on treatment responses to this significant problem is sparse. Individuals with this comorbidity present a significant challenge to substance abuse treatment providers as they present with a poorer clinical profile, and have poorer treatment outcomes, including higher readmission rates. Consequently, they are a costly burden to the health care system. The costs of this comorbidity to individual sufferers and society may be reduced substantially by the implementation of an integrated treatment that addresses both disorders concurrently. There is however, little research to guide how best to treat comorbid IDUD and PTSD. Although a small number of interventions have been developed and trialled, none have been evaluated in an Australian setting. One intervention which has shown promise in the United States is Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorder (CTPSD). Preliminary research has shown that CTPSD can be used safely and is effective in the treatment of PTSD among individuals with cocaine dependence. Completers of the program have demonstrated significant reductions in all PTSD symptom clusters and cocaine use from baseline to end of treatment which were maintained at 6 month follow-up. Significant reductions in depressive symptoms were also observed. Despite these promising results, CTPSD is yet to undergo a randomised controlled trial. The proposed study is a randomised controlled trial of the efficacy of CTPSD in the Australian setting.Read moreRead less