Functional And Structural Imaging Of Auditory Infomation Processing Deficits In Recent-onset And Chronic Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,000.00
Summary
Abnormalities in the auditory system have long been suspected to be present among people who suffer from schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, due in part to the high prevalence of auditory hallucinations amongst these patients. Over the last decade, a group of Australian researchers have identified an index of auditory information processing, recorded from scalp electrodes, that is abnormal in patients with schizophrenia, and their biological relatives. The present project will examine t ....Abnormalities in the auditory system have long been suspected to be present among people who suffer from schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, due in part to the high prevalence of auditory hallucinations amongst these patients. Over the last decade, a group of Australian researchers have identified an index of auditory information processing, recorded from scalp electrodes, that is abnormal in patients with schizophrenia, and their biological relatives. The present project will examine the relationship between these electrophysiological findings, and a new non-invasive technique of functional brain imaging, looking at changes in blood flow, that can identify the specific brain regions that are active during auditory information processing, and link these to the sources of the scalp recorded measures. Both of these functional measures will be examined in relation to the volumes of brain tissue, measured from magnetic resonance imaging scans using new analysis tools, that enable the identification of subtle changes in brain anatomy. By examining patients who have recently developed schizophrenia, those who have suffered from the illness for longer periods of time, and their close relatives, this study will provide the opportunity to identify biological markers of increased vulnerability for the development of schizophrenia.Read moreRead less
Dopamine Mechanisms Conferring Resilience To Depression: A New Antidepressant Target
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,948.00
Summary
A significant proportion of people who suffer depression fail to obtain effective relief from either drugs or psychotherapy. Accordingly, there is a pressing need to develop new, and more effective, treatments. This project will determine whether certain specific brain pathways that use the transmitter dopamine can be manipulated in their activity so as to increase resilience to depression. This work has potential to provide the foundation for the development a new generation of antidepressants.
The Neurochemical Basis Of Behavioural Control: Relevance For Addiction, OCD And Tourette Syndrome.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,225.00
Summary
Both the control of voluntry responses over reflexive habits, and the ability to direct voluntary responses appropriately when there are conflicting choices present in the world, are thought to be important in mental disorders such as drug addiction, tic disorders such as Tourette syndrome and obsessive compulsive disorder. This project will examine the brain neurochemistry that underpins our ability to control voluntary responses, providing insight into potential pharmacological interventions.