Understanding The Pathophysiology Of Schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder And Bipolar Disorder As A Basis For Improving Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$804,106.00
Summary
The Applicant seeks to understand the causes of the schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, which affect over 20% of the Australian population. This research is important as drug design, based on chemical remodelling, has not significantly advanced initial breakthroughs in treating psychiatric disorders and there is now a widespread belief that new drugs will only come from understand their causes.
Differential Changes In Cortical Tumour Necrosis Factor Signalling In Mood Disorders And Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$642,078.00
Summary
Changes in inflammation-related pathways contribute to the symptoms of psychiatric disorders and tumour necrosis factor ? (TNF) is a protein central to regulating theses pathways. We have now shown that changes in pathways regulated by TNF are present in the brains of people with schizophrenia and mood disorders. This means that the symptoms experienced by those with the different disorders may be linked to differential changes in TNF-regulated pathways in the brain.
Interactions Between The Serotonin Transporter And Sympathetic Nervous Activation In Patients With Major Depressive Disorder - Understanding The Link Between The Brain And The Heart
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$527,109.00
Summary
There is evidence that patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) are at increased risk of developing heart disease. While the mechanisms responsible remain unknown we have previously demonstrated that cardiac sympathetic nervous activity in patients with MDD follows a bimodal distribution, with values in some patients being extraordinarily high. In this project we will determine the physiological consequences of sympathetic activation in patients with MDD.
A Double-blind Placebo Controlled Trial Of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation In The Treatment Of Depression.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$366,775.00
Summary
Depression is a severe and often disabling illness that occurs frequently in the general population. Depression is a treatable illness and the majority of patients will respond to anti-depressant medication, a form of psychotherapy or a combination of these. However, a significant percentage of patients with depression fail to respond to these therapies and currently require electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This entails the complications and costs of multiple anaesthetics, memory impairment and ....Depression is a severe and often disabling illness that occurs frequently in the general population. Depression is a treatable illness and the majority of patients will respond to anti-depressant medication, a form of psychotherapy or a combination of these. However, a significant percentage of patients with depression fail to respond to these therapies and currently require electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This entails the complications and costs of multiple anaesthetics, memory impairment and substantial social stigma. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is being researched as a potential alternative for these patients. It is administered to patients who are awake and alert and appears to have fewer side effects. TMS uses the unique properties of a magnetic field to produce or disrupt electrical activity in superficial areas of the brain, targeted to the areas thought to be involved in the cause of depression. Our research study will compare the two most promising types of TMS with an inactive or placebo condition. This is important to establish that the effects of TMS arise from the actual stimulation and to investigate whether one of two types of TMS administered is superior. We will administer this treatment for between 2 and 4 weeks and assess the response. We anticipate that our research will contribute to the development of TMS as a treatment methodology for this important patient group. It is crucial that a new treatment be thoroughly evaluated prior to wide dissemination of it in clinical practice. We will help define the effectiveness of this treatment and the most appropriate way in which it can be administered.Read moreRead less
PHARMACOGENETICS OF ANTIDEPRESSANT RESPONSE AND REMISSION: TOWARD GENOTYPE-GUIDED PRESCRIBING IN MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$435,524.00
Summary
A “one-size fits all” approach to antidepressant pharmacotherapy in depression is suboptimal. Current technology and scientific data support the transition to a personalised approach to antidepressant pharmacotherapy. My research will (1) develop and test genetic based algorithms for their ability to predict antidepressant response and remission and (2) evaluate the clinical validity and utility of currently available algorithms in clinical practice.
Deep Brain Stimulation In The Treatment Of Severe Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,008,087.00
Summary
Some patients with depression fail to respond to a variety of standard treatments and in this group, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is being evaluated as an alternative treatment option. This study will investigate the use of DBS applied to a novel brain target site in patients with highly treatment refractory depression.
Providing Evidence For The Primary Prevention Of The High-prevalence Mental Disorders In Men: The Role Of Diet In The Aetiology Of Depression, Anxiety, And Psychological Distress
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$300,862.00
Summary
Depression is predicted to become the second-most common cause of disability in the world by 2020, despite the increased energy devoted to recognition and treatment. This study will examine the association between diet quality and depressive and anxiety disorders in men, to identify to what extent diet quality is related to the risk for and/or course of these illnesses.
AusGDB-Depression: An Australian Genetic Database Study Of Functional Genetic Variants And Environmental Factors In Major Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,486.00
Summary
Major depression is the leading cause of disability in Australia, but its causes are unknown. Despite a significant role of genes in this disorder and many genetic studies, researchers have not been able to identify the genes that increase the risk for this disorder. In this project, we will identify, characterize and use genetic functional variants and environmental factors to create a way to predict diagnosis of this disorder.