The Structure Of Negative Affective States In Youth: Identifying The Core Symptoms Of Depression, Anxiety And Tension/stress In Children And Adolescents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$241,016.00
Summary
This project will lead to improved knowledge about the symptoms that define depression and anxiety in children and adolescents. The results will also inform us about the development of tension/stress as a unique emotional state associated with excessive worrying. The publication of a new state-of-the-art self-report measure assessing all three negative emotional states in one brief instrument will benefit researchers and practitioners in a variety of health care and educational settings.
Prospective Study Of Birth Defects From Fetotoxic Agents In The Public Water Supply
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$732,036.00
Summary
Recent research in Australia & internationally shows that birth defects are more common in areas where mothers are exposed to poor quality drinking water, particularly when treatment chemicals known as trihalomethanes (THMs) are present. We will determine the risk that high THM levels pose to unborn babies by accurately measuring individual exposures to THMs & correlating these with adverse birth outcomes. The study will be in Perth where THM levels are very high in a number of suburbs.
A New Animal Model Of The Prodrome In Schizophrenia. Enhanced Dopamine In Prodromal Schizophrenia (EDiPs)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$571,990.00
Summary
Psychiatrists now recognize a pre-symptomatic stage is present in people at risk of developing schizophrenia. Using new brain imaging techniques we now know that some of these individuals have changes in a major neurotransmitter, dopamine, prior to being diagnosed. We have developed a new model in animals, which recreates these exact same changes at a comparable age. We want to now understand what are the broader effects in the brain and try and block these changes in dopamine with new drugs.
Mephedrone (Meow, 4-Methylmethcathinone): Examining The Effects Of A Novel Party Drug On Brain And Behaviour
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$399,796.00
Summary
Mephedrone ("Meow") is a novel recreational drug that has rapidly increased in popularity in recent years. Users report that mephedrone has the stimulant-like qualities of cocaine, combined with the prosocial effects of MDMA. Anecdotal and case study reports indicate that mephedrone may have the potential to engender compulsive patterns of use as well as toxicity in overdose. The current project will use animal models to assess how mephedrone affects the brain and behaviour and to assess its add ....Mephedrone ("Meow") is a novel recreational drug that has rapidly increased in popularity in recent years. Users report that mephedrone has the stimulant-like qualities of cocaine, combined with the prosocial effects of MDMA. Anecdotal and case study reports indicate that mephedrone may have the potential to engender compulsive patterns of use as well as toxicity in overdose. The current project will use animal models to assess how mephedrone affects the brain and behaviour and to assess its addictive potential.Read moreRead less
Improving The Capacity Of Peers To Provide Guidance And Support For Adolescents With Mental Health Problems
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,196,608.00
Summary
Adolescents frequently look to peers for support when experiencing mental health problems. However, peers may lack the knowledge and skills to provide appropriate guidance and support. This project evaluates a new school-based training program for adolescents called 'teen Mental Health First Aid'. Preliminary evidence shows that this training is effective, but a more rigorous evaluation is needed. If effective, this program can be disseminated nationally and internationally by MHFA Australia.
Developing Youth-centred Health Promotion Strategies To Prevent And Mitigate The Adverse Health Impacts Of Adolescent Pregnancy In Papua New Guinea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$702,235.00
Summary
Adolescent pregnancy is a major public health concern in Papua New Guinea, the Asia-Pacific region, and other low and middle income countries, with severe health and socio-economic outcomes for young women. This three-year qualitative study will examine the experiences of early pregnancy among young Papua New Guineans (15-24 years). Project outcomes will include the design of youth health services and community-outreach programs to curb the ongoing harm associated with adolescent pregnancy.
Prevalence Of Challenge-proven Food Allergy And Predictors Of Severe Adverse Reactions To Food In Early Adolescence: SchoolNuts
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,196,852.00
Summary
Food allergy (FA) has risen to epidemic proportions in recent times and Australia has one of the highest rates in the world. FA is most common in children under 5 years, yet adolescents are at the greatest risk of death from food-related anaphylaxis. We don’t know why this is the case. Our research will describe FA prevalence and will assess the factors placing FA adolescents at high risk of severe allergic reactions. Findings will influence policy for management of FA and anaphylaxis.
Neurodevelopment During Adolescence: A Longitudinal Imaging Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,706,589.00
Summary
Adolescence is a risk period for the emergence of psychiatric disorders. It is also a time of rapid change in the brain, but few studies have detailed changes in neurodevelopment during this sensitive period. We will study twins from early adolescence and use brain imaging to investigate changing brain patterns as the brain matures, and thereby, gain insight into factors responsible for increasing our risk or resilience for major mental health conditions and optimal points for intervention.
Determining The Best Outcome Measures For Assessing Cost-Effectiveness Of Interventions For Childhood Mental Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,837.00
Summary
The aim of this study is to evaluate which are the best outcome measures to use to assess the cost-effectiveness of interventions and services for children with mental disorders. The study will have great policy and practice relevance as it will help ensure that only services and interventions which work and provide good-value-for money are offered to children with such problems.
Suicide Prevention In Schools: A Social Connectedness Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$825,989.00
Summary
Suicide is the leading cause of death in Australians aged 15-24 years. This project will investigate the effectiveness of an intervention to promote help-seeking for suicidal behaviours in adolescence. Taking a whole school approach, peer leaders in 16 Australian high schools will receive training in the Sources of Strength program. The primary aim of the project is to determine whether peer leadership training and messaging improves help-seeking attitudes, intentions and behaviour for suicide.