Diagnosis of depressive disorder and risk for depression in adolescents using acoustic speech analysis. Depression is the most common mental health problem in young people in Australia. Early diagnosis can minimise the disturbance of typical functioning and development of social and academic skills. Current assessment techniques consume significant time in urgent clinical situations, where an immediate assessment of risk is required. An automatic diagnostic system will provide an important objec ....Diagnosis of depressive disorder and risk for depression in adolescents using acoustic speech analysis. Depression is the most common mental health problem in young people in Australia. Early diagnosis can minimise the disturbance of typical functioning and development of social and academic skills. Current assessment techniques consume significant time in urgent clinical situations, where an immediate assessment of risk is required. An automatic diagnostic system will provide an important objective indicator giving an immediate quantitative assessment of the mental state of a patient. The quantitative measure given by the diagnostic system proposed will give physicians and therapists an improved metric by which they can gauge the effectiveness of various treatments in reducing depression and suicidality. Read moreRead less
Maternal mental health and anaemia as determinants of infant health and development in resource constrained settings. A healthy start to life is an explicit Australian priority. Maternal health is a major determinant of the health and development of infants. This international collaborative project will contribute evidence about two maternal health conditions: mental disorders and anaemia, and their effects on infant health and development, through research in Vietnam where both are prevalent. ....Maternal mental health and anaemia as determinants of infant health and development in resource constrained settings. A healthy start to life is an explicit Australian priority. Maternal health is a major determinant of the health and development of infants. This international collaborative project will contribute evidence about two maternal health conditions: mental disorders and anaemia, and their effects on infant health and development, through research in Vietnam where both are prevalent. The findings will inform interventions to improve the health of mothers and infants in all resource-constrained settings, including among indigenous and refugee groups in Australia. It will advance Australia's international relations by strengthening a partnership with Viet Nam and contributing to a World Health Organization priority area. Read moreRead less
Preventing mental health problems in children: a population-based cluster controlled trial. The National Mental Health Survey (2000) found 1 in 7 children have externalising (aggression) and internalising (anxiety, depression) problems. Early mental health problems beget later problems with high costs to society, including clinical, remedial education and criminal justice services. Hence, early prevention is vital for national well-being and productivity. The few preventive early childhood progr ....Preventing mental health problems in children: a population-based cluster controlled trial. The National Mental Health Survey (2000) found 1 in 7 children have externalising (aggression) and internalising (anxiety, depression) problems. Early mental health problems beget later problems with high costs to society, including clinical, remedial education and criminal justice services. Hence, early prevention is vital for national well-being and productivity. The few preventive early childhood programs to date are limited in effectiveness and not truly population-based. The proposed parenting / family support trial aims to overcome these obstacles, by comparing and costing two approaches that can be implemented within whole communities. The trial will help clarify optimal primary care to prevent mental health problems early in life.Read moreRead less
Impact Of A Sleep Intervention In Children With ADHD: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,230.00
Summary
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects up to 7.5% of Australian children. Between 50 and 70% of parents also report sleep problems (eg night waking, insomnia) in their child with ADHD. Such sleep problems are associated with poorer child behaviour, concentration, and school attendance as well as poorer parent mental health and work attendance. This randomised controlled trial will determine whether treating sleep problems in children with ADHD can improve these outcomes.
The Childhood Resilience Study: Building The Evidence To Reduce Health Inequalities Across The Lifecourse
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,075,842.00
Summary
Children exposed to social adversity, family violence and trauma have higher risks of emotional, developmental and physical health problems. Despite this, many children experiencing social adversity and trauma grow up with positive outcomes. This will be the first international study of resilience in middle childhood. The study will examine factors promoting resilience in Aboriginal children, children exposed to family violence and children in families of refugee background.
Behaviour and emotional problems in young children with developmental delay. This research will provide health professionals, researchers and service providers with a reliable and valid measure to assess behaviour in young children with developmental delay. This will be the first instrument of its kind worldwide. The study will provide the largest and most comprehensive survey of behaviour and emotional problems in young children with developmental delay internationally to date. It will provide ....Behaviour and emotional problems in young children with developmental delay. This research will provide health professionals, researchers and service providers with a reliable and valid measure to assess behaviour in young children with developmental delay. This will be the first instrument of its kind worldwide. The study will provide the largest and most comprehensive survey of behaviour and emotional problems in young children with developmental delay internationally to date. It will provide information on the types of treatment that are needed for these children and what support is needed for their families. The outcomes of this study have the potential to promote the best possible start in life and long term mental health of this group of at risk and disadvantaged young Australians.Read moreRead less
Improving Outcomes For Children With ADHD: Mapping Developmental Trajectories And Developing Targeted Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental health disorders affecting young people in Australia. My research program aims to generate new knowledge to inform clinical practice for children with ADHD including: 1) long-term outcomes and key predictors of outcomes; and 2) novel treatments to improve the lives of children and families. Growth of my research program is feasible and underpinned by existing platforms including numerous NHMRC-funded studies.
Towards An Evidence-based And Equitable Mental Health System For Children In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$706,059.00
Summary
Mental health problems in Australian children are common and associated with adverse short and long term outcomes. Treatments including medication and psychological interventions can improve these outcomes but only 50% of Australian children with mental health problems receive them. We will quantify child, family, clinician and health care system factors associated with treatment use and provide a roadmap for clinicians and policy makers to improve access for Australian children.
Improving Outcomes For Children With Common Developmental Conditions: Identifying Risk And Protective Factors And Developing Targeted Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,946.00
Summary
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and language impairment (LI) are both highly prevalent and associated with mental health difficulties. This research will investigate 1) risk factors for poor versus better mental health, academic and social outcomes in children with ADHD and LI and 2) the development and piloting of interventions targeting these factors. This research will indicate avenues for new methods of intervention and prevention for children with ADHD and LI.
Improving maternal and child health care for women experiencing violence: collaborative development, implementation and effectiveness of a good practice model. Maternal and child health services are universal community-based national services for Australia's mothers and babies. However, they are poorly researched, supported, resourced and lack evidence for managing the challenges of addressing intimate partner violence among their client populations. Partner violence is prevalent in early parent ....Improving maternal and child health care for women experiencing violence: collaborative development, implementation and effectiveness of a good practice model. Maternal and child health services are universal community-based national services for Australia's mothers and babies. However, they are poorly researched, supported, resourced and lack evidence for managing the challenges of addressing intimate partner violence among their client populations. Partner violence is prevalent in early parenthood and imposes a heavy health burden on victims and infants and a significant cost to society. If effective, this innovative model of maternal child health nursing care for abused mothers and infants will inform the enhanced provision of early intervention services nationwide, contribute to community nursing scholarship and give children a healthier start to life.Read moreRead less