Prof Fitzgerald a psychiatrist investigating the use of a range of non-drug biological treatments for patients with severe and treatment resistant mood (and related) disorders.
A Double-blind Sham Controlled Trial Of RTMS In Treatment Resistant Major Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,491.00
Summary
Treatment Resistant Depression is clearly a major health issue - depression is common, results in marked morbidity and mortality and a large percentage of patients do not respond to, or cannot tolerate standard treatment. The development of new treatments for this condition is undoubtedly required. International efforts are underway to try and establish the efficacy of high frequency left Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (HFL-TMS) to the point where the technique may be approved by regulatory a ....Treatment Resistant Depression is clearly a major health issue - depression is common, results in marked morbidity and mortality and a large percentage of patients do not respond to, or cannot tolerate standard treatment. The development of new treatments for this condition is undoubtedly required. International efforts are underway to try and establish the efficacy of high frequency left Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (HFL-TMS) to the point where the technique may be approved by regulatory authorities and clinically introduced. However, clearly the response rate to HFL-TMS is suboptimal for its widespread use. The overall goal of this research program is to develop repetitive TMS (rTMS) methods to the point at which they are highly relevant and applicable to clinical practice. None of the substantial international studies is focusing on novel applications such as sequential bilateral rTMS (SBrTMS). The planned outcome of this study is that it may change the focus of rTMS application and practice nationally and internationally. If we can follow our well received initial study of this technique with a substantial comparative trial as planned here, it will provide enough evidence for the more widespread adoption and testing of SBrTMS as a viable alternative to HFL-TMS. Ultimately, this or a modification of it, may become the rTMS administration method of choice. Additionally, we will have a sufficient sample size to start to explore meaningful predictors of clinical response including biological, psychosocial-personality variable predictors.Read moreRead less
ASPREE-D; Aspirin In The Prevention Of Depression In The Elderly
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$796,784.00
Summary
The ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) study is a 5 year RCT of aspirin (100mg daily) or placebo in 19,000 healthy people over 70. We aim to augment the existing infrastructure of ASPREE in order to confirm the utility of aspirin for the prevention of depression in the elderly (ASPREE-D). The primary aim of ASPREE-D is to determine if use of low-dose aspirin reduces the incidence of de-novo episodes of depression in healthy individuals over 70 years of age.
Novel Strategies For The Treatment Of Alcohol Dependance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$290,629.00
Summary
The proposed project is designed to extend my current project and improve the treatment of alcohol dependence by addressing three barriers to successful treatment. Firstly, a novel, integrated, stepped-care treatment for alcohol dependence and comorbid anxiety or depression will be examined in a randomised controlled trial. Secondly, the relationship between sleep disturbances, relapse and treatment retention and outcomes will be characterised. Thirdly, genetic predictors to the treatment of the ....The proposed project is designed to extend my current project and improve the treatment of alcohol dependence by addressing three barriers to successful treatment. Firstly, a novel, integrated, stepped-care treatment for alcohol dependence and comorbid anxiety or depression will be examined in a randomised controlled trial. Secondly, the relationship between sleep disturbances, relapse and treatment retention and outcomes will be characterised. Thirdly, genetic predictors to the treatment of the anti-craving medications, acamprosate and naltrexone will be investigated. The first two aims will utilise subjects recruited across three sites in Sydney while the third aim will involve analyses of blood samples and clinical data from my current projectRead moreRead less
A Randomised Double Blind, Placebo-controlled Study Of Nefiracetam In Patients With Post- Stroke Apathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$865,271.00
Summary
A wide range of emotional and cognitive disturbances are observed following stroke. Apathy is expressed by diminished initiation and poor persistence on tasks, lack of interest, emotional indifference and low social engagement. Our preliminary study has suggested that the medication nefiracetam significantly improves apathy among stroke patients. The main aim of our project is to conduct a large scale study to determine whether nefiracetam improves apathy in patients with stroke lesions.
Complicated grief represents a major demand on health services, productivity levels, and adversely influences mental and physical health. Despite the enormous social and economic costs of complicated grief, there are currently no controlled trials of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for complicated grief. This study addresses this gap in our knowledge by testing the efficacy of CBT in reducing grief reactions. Participants (120) will be randomly allocated to either 10 sessions of CBT or 10 sess ....Complicated grief represents a major demand on health services, productivity levels, and adversely influences mental and physical health. Despite the enormous social and economic costs of complicated grief, there are currently no controlled trials of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for complicated grief. This study addresses this gap in our knowledge by testing the efficacy of CBT in reducing grief reactions. Participants (120) will be randomly allocated to either 10 sessions of CBT or 10 sessions of supportive counselling. Participants will be assessed before and after treatment, as well as 6 months after treatment. Overall, this project will provide an evidence base to guide clinicians in Australia and internationally in regards to treating people suffering the effects of persistent complicated grief.Read moreRead less
Brain Connectivity Imaging Markers To Confirm Diagnosis For Bipolar Vs. Unipolar Depression – A Connectome Approach.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$434,369.00
Summary
Differentiating Bipolar disorders from Unipolar Depression is a major clinical challenge. This misdiagnosis hinders optimal clinical care and has many deleterious consequences such self-harm, increased chances of suicide, poor prognosis, and greater health care costs related to this disorder. This project will provide urgently-needed advance in accurate identification of Bipolar disorders using Magnetic Resonance Imaging and remove one of the key obstacles to accurate diagnosis.