Determining The Role Of Oxytocin And Associated Analogues In Treatments For Social Dysfunction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,492.00
Summary
This proposal develops a research hub to study, understand and develop innovative treatments for social difficulties observed across mental health conditions. It identifies treatment targets to improve social difficulties, determines who is likely to respond to these targets, and shows how these benefits can be tracked in patients. To achieve these goals, this proposal places this laboratory at the centre of broad international and collaborative research, facilitating innovative training and pra ....This proposal develops a research hub to study, understand and develop innovative treatments for social difficulties observed across mental health conditions. It identifies treatment targets to improve social difficulties, determines who is likely to respond to these targets, and shows how these benefits can be tracked in patients. To achieve these goals, this proposal places this laboratory at the centre of broad international and collaborative research, facilitating innovative training and practice within Australian society.Read moreRead less
Adolescent Brain Development And Social Cognitive Deficits In Early Psychosis: Can Intervention Improve Outcome?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,848.00
Summary
This project aims to investigate the origin of impairments in social thinking of young people with first episode psychosis (FEP), and whether social cognitive training can reverse these problems and improve social functioning. We think that slower maturation of particular brain regions during adolescence may be related to these social cognitive deficits. We will also explore whether providing training in these skills can influence the development of these key brain structures.
Selective Attention And The Processing Of Observed Actions.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$343,812.00
Summary
Our ability to understand the hand and face gestures of others is a crucial part of social interaction. Deficits in the ability to perceive others' actions are associated with clinical disorders such as autism and apraxia. We will examine how specific regions of the brain operate to process and recognise actions that we observe. This is a crucial first-step toward understanding and redefining clinical disorders such as apraxia that involve deficits in the perception of actions and gestures.
The Impact Of Oxytocin On Social Cognition And Behaviour In Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$261,117.00
Summary
Deficits in social functioning are one of the core features of Autism Spectrum Disorders and evidence suggests that the Oxytocin (OT) system may be dysregulated in these individuals. This proposal tests the effects of synthetic OT in a sample of youth with ASD on measures of social cognition and behaviour. This research may lead to more efficient and effective treatments for ASD and may enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying Autism and related disorders.
Improving Diagnosis And Prognosis Of Early-onset Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$622,655.00
Summary
Frontotemporal dementia accounts for ~15% of all dementias. It is as common as Alzheimer’s disease in the < 65 year olds but understanding of this disease remains limited. Over the next 5 years, my research will work towards improving diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of pathology, using a multidisclinary approach that combines clinical, brain imaging, genetics and neuropathological investigations. This research will contribute to improving the care and quality of life of dementia patients.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Oxytocin Nasal Spray For Alcohol Dependence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$673,035.00
Summary
Alcohol use disorders account for 5% of the worlds burden of disease. Current treatments are very limited. While there is existing animal research, this study determines the benefits of a novel treatment, oxytocin nasal spray, to reduce cravings and drinking levels in dependent populations. Outcomes could establish a new, effective and safe treatment to manage alcohol dependence in the community.
CHARACTERISING FACIAL EMOTION PROCESSING NETWORKS IN BIPOLAR DISORDER
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$339,188.00
Summary
This research will use cutting edge imaging methodologies to investigate brain connectivity in neural circuits involved in emotion processing in people with bipolar disorder compared to their relatives and controls. It will provide insight into the factors associated with disease expression and genetic risk and will directly inform novel cognitive remediation treatments focused on directly addressing emotional processing difficulties in bipolar disorder at their source.
The Effects Of Oxytocin On Social Cognition In Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$187,631.00
Summary
Schizophrenia is characterised by problems with social cognition. These problems are associated with an increased risk of low educational attainment, unemployment, homelessness, social isolation, and reduced quality of life. This project will determine whether a novel biological intervention, Oxytocin, improves social interaction behaviour skills in schizophrenia. This project, therefore, represents a critical first step in developing a new treatment for schizophrenia.
Social Functioning And Autism Spectrum Disorder In Children With Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Multimodal Study.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$107,204.00
Summary
Social difficulties and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are frequently found in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a common genetic condition. The current study will examine (1) prevalence and characteristics of ASD and social impairment in children with NF1, (2) cognitive factors contributing to ASD symptoms and (3) associated compromise to brain structure. Findings are expected to guide development of treatments to improve social functioning in children with NF1.