Relating Genetic, Biological, And Behavioural Markers Of Early Conduct Problems In Young Females
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$403,639.00
Summary
Child CPs are the first identifable sign of ongoing mental health problems. Most research is done with males, but they are also the most common early markers in females. We are in the unique position to conduct the first test of the relationships between specific genetic risk, neurobiological markers and psychological functioning in females. Findings will inform models of genertic vulnerability, the relationship of genetic risk to basic information processing styles in at-risk children.
Relating Genetic, Biological, And Behavioural Markers Of Early Vulnerability In Conduct Problem Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,183.00
Summary
This research will conduct the first test of specific genetic risk in a large and representative sample of young conduct problem children. These children represent the first readily identifiable group that are at high risk for ongoing mental health problems in our community. It is highly likely that within their numbers are heterogeneous subgroups that will take very different trajectories through life. The current study builds on several years of developmental research in which we have develope ....This research will conduct the first test of specific genetic risk in a large and representative sample of young conduct problem children. These children represent the first readily identifiable group that are at high risk for ongoing mental health problems in our community. It is highly likely that within their numbers are heterogeneous subgroups that will take very different trajectories through life. The current study builds on several years of developmental research in which we have developed methods for identifying different phenotypes within the group. The study will identify genetic markers of these subtypes and relate these to emotional processing as a general model of risk in the development of mental health problems and antisocial behaviour. Findings will inform models of genetic vulnerability, and more importantly, the relationship of genetic risk to basic information processing styles in at-risk children, thus aiding methods for early detection, early intervention and prevention.Read moreRead less
Evaluation Of An Instrument For Management Of Behavioural And Psychological Symptoms Of Dementia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,468.00
Summary
Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) distress the patient and others. The behaviours, and not the underlying causes, are often treated with antipsychotics, despite side effects and low efficacy. An assessment instrument for care staff to determine and address causes of BPSD will be implemented. We predict training will reduce inappropriate prescribing and other reasons for distress. Where medication is required, detailed information will assist more targeted prescribing.
The Effectiveness Of A School-based Parent Education Program In The Promotion Of Adolescent Health: A Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$422,900.00
Summary
Youth mental health and behaviour problems such as depression, suicidal behaviour, tobacco use, alcohol abuse and illicit drug use are currently priority issues within Australian national and state public health policies. This project has been designed to contribute to knowledge on the effectiveness of interventions that can be used to prevent youth mental health and behaviour problems. Until recent years the development of programs to support families through the transition into adolescence has ....Youth mental health and behaviour problems such as depression, suicidal behaviour, tobacco use, alcohol abuse and illicit drug use are currently priority issues within Australian national and state public health policies. This project has been designed to contribute to knowledge on the effectiveness of interventions that can be used to prevent youth mental health and behaviour problems. Until recent years the development of programs to support families through the transition into adolescence has been neglected. This is remiss, as there is evidence that a range of youth mental health and behaviour problems may be preventable through interventions through this transition. The overall objective of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-level, family intervention designed to promote adolescent health within secondary schools. The intervention will be implemented over the first two years of high school and incorporates both universal components (for all families) and selected components (for families with particular difficulties). The intervention elements have been developed and partially evaluated in work undertaken by the applicant and collaborators over the past five years. To evaluate this intervention a representative sample of 12 Victorian secondary schools will be randomly assigned to intervention and compared to 12 control schools with prior matching on school demographics and student behaviour variables. Intervention processes will be closely monitored and evaluated for impacts on relevant risk and protective factors. Effectiveness will be evaluated by testing whether reductions in youth mental health and behaviour problems were greater for intervention families compared to controls. The evaluation has been designed to test the theory that improvement across the whole secondary school environment can be encouraged by preventing the negative peer influences that can emerge within families experiencing adolescent adjustment problemsRead moreRead less
Molecular Control Of Cell Proliferation In Early Mouse Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$338,009.00
Summary
Elucidation of cell cycle regulation in the proliferating pluripotent cells of the early mammalian embryo is likely to have important impact on basic scientific knowledge, and on the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Investigation of this problem, in vitro and in vivo, requires specialist skills in cell cycle analysis, and experimental manipulation of mammalian embryos and pluripotent cells. This application will seek to address these fundamental issues of early development and cell p ....Elucidation of cell cycle regulation in the proliferating pluripotent cells of the early mammalian embryo is likely to have important impact on basic scientific knowledge, and on the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Investigation of this problem, in vitro and in vivo, requires specialist skills in cell cycle analysis, and experimental manipulation of mammalian embryos and pluripotent cells. This application will seek to address these fundamental issues of early development and cell proliferation using molecular approaches. The general aims will be: 1. to obtain a detailed description of cell cycles in pluripotent and differentiating cells of the mouse embryo 2. use this information to build a molecular description of cell cycle events during early embryogenesis 3. investigate the relationship between rapid cell proliferation in the embryo and pluripotencyRead moreRead less
Assessing Sustainability Of Positive Outcomes In A Successful Child Obesity Prevention Intervention: Follow-up Of The Melbourne InFANT Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$882,700.00
Summary
Early intervention may be the most sustainable and effective means of preventing obesity and promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours (obesity preventive behaviours) including diet, physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviours. This project aims to assess whether differences observed between intervention and control groups at the conclusion of a successful obesity prevention program, the Melbourne InFANT Program, (child aged 18-months) are maintained across the important early childhood year ....Early intervention may be the most sustainable and effective means of preventing obesity and promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours (obesity preventive behaviours) including diet, physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviours. This project aims to assess whether differences observed between intervention and control groups at the conclusion of a successful obesity prevention program, the Melbourne InFANT Program, (child aged 18-months) are maintained across the important early childhood years, to 3.5 and 5 years of age.Read moreRead less
Parenting Style As A Mediator Of Psychosocial Risk Factors And Childhood Externalizing Behaviour Problems
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$113,160.00
Summary
It is imperative that effective interventions be developed and evaluated for children with externalising disorders (e.g. oppositional disorder, attention deficit order and conduct disorder). The prevalence of these problems in the community is high, the prognosis of children is poor, and externalising problems are passed on across successive generations in the same family. Childhood externalising problems are also one of the most costly behavioural disorders for society. Many studies have examin ....It is imperative that effective interventions be developed and evaluated for children with externalising disorders (e.g. oppositional disorder, attention deficit order and conduct disorder). The prevalence of these problems in the community is high, the prognosis of children is poor, and externalising problems are passed on across successive generations in the same family. Childhood externalising problems are also one of the most costly behavioural disorders for society. Many studies have examined the nature and course of externalising problems in older children and adolescents. However, little attention has been paid to the early onset of externalising disorders amongst preschool and early school-age children. Whilst the relationships between family risk factors (e.g. marital discord and maternal depression), parental management styles and children's behaviour problems are widely recognised, the exact nature and direction of these relationships remains largely unknown. This proposal will provide new information about the mechanism through which family risk factors such as marital discord or parental distress influence the onset and persistence of externalising problems in young children, via their effects on parents' behaviour management techniques. This information can then be used to instruct early intervention efforts for parents and families of children at risk of developing externalising behaviour problems.Read moreRead less
Early Intervention For Borderline Personality Disorder In Youth: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$709,932.00
Summary
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder involving instability of emotions, impulse control, self-concept and interpersonal relationships. BPD arises during adolescence and has a suicide rate of 10%. This study investigates the most effective form of early intervention for BPD that improves the daily lives of individuals and reduces poor outcomes, such as deliberate self-harm. The findings will inform the dissemination of early intervention for BPD in the health system.