A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Three Treatments For Anorexia Nervosa In Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$606,447.00
Summary
This study will be the first to evaluate three promising new treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN) and anorexic type eating disorders in adults. The first treatment is a new therapy called Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. The second treatment, the Maudsley Cognitive Motivational Therapy, was designed specifically to treat AN and the third treatment is called non-specific supportive clinical management. The study will be in the form of a multi-centre randomised treatment trial.
Preventing Obesity And Promoting Healthy Body Image In Australian Secondary Schools: A Web-based System Tailored To Individual Needs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,320,398.00
Summary
This study will test an individually tailored body image and weight management program. The program is delivered online to students in early secondary school and builds on our partnership with Stanford University adapting internet programs for use in Australia. Staying Fit Australia gives individual guidance about concerns and attitudes to weight and shape, nutrition and physical activity. The program aims to prevent obesity and promote healthy nutrition and physical activity in all adolescents.
A Randomised Controlled Trial To Examine The Effectiveness Of Oxytocin To Improve Treatment For Anorexia Nervosa
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,854.00
Summary
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a major public health problem. Nutritional rehabilitation programs exist but can be costly and protracted, and patients struggle to engage with these demanding therapies. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of oxytocin nasal spray to improve outcomes in patients with AN participating in a nutritional rehabilitation program using a randomized placebo-controlled design. If shown to be effective, this will have national and international significance.
Taking A LEAP Forward In The Treatment Of Anorexia Nervosa: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$578,818.00
Summary
Extreme levels of exercise to reduce weight and improve mood are common in people with anorexia nevosa and are associated with poorer outcomes. Our study aims to test a novel therapy help people reduce their use of exercise andfind healthier and safer ways of managing weight and low mood. The therapy will be compared with a widely used control therapy - that however has only limited efficacy. We hope the exercise therapy will result in improved outcomes for this debilitating illness.
Pubertal Transitions In Mental Health And Behaviour: The PHASE-A Study Of Social Roleand Lifestyle Transitions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,656,785.00
Summary
Over the past four decades problems such as depression, anxiety, self-harm and substance abuse have increased in young people. Recent research indicates that puberty is a time when these problems commonly first emerge. This five-year study of 4000 students will examine a question of whether social transitions that are too soon (e.g. early initiation of sex) or problematic (e.g. bullying from peers) may explain the increase in these health problems as children pass through puberty.
A Novel Approach For The Treatment Of Obesity: Examining The Potential Of Addiction Therapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$765,935.00
Summary
Difficulty in managing food intake, especially highly palatable food, can result in obesity and the health liabilities associated with being overweight. In its extreme, the difficulty reducing food intake resembles an addictive disorder. We have compelling preliminary data which show deficits in the brain associated with addiction are also found in diet-induced obesity. Therefore strategies used to treat addiction can potentially be used to treat obesity.
Balance disorders are very common, but particularly in those conditions that involve the brain 'balance centres' are often difficult for doctors to diagnose. When diseases are difficult to diagnose, then recommending helpful treatment is particularly challenging. We will use a group of specialized tests to better understand these balance conditions in order to help patients receive accurate diagnoses and therefore, better treatment.
Clinical And Neurobiological Predictors Of Onset Of Major Mental Disorders (mania, Psychosis, Severe Depression), And Associated Functional Impairment, In Adolescent And Young Adult Twins: A Prospective Longitudinal Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,356,103.00
Summary
The Brisbane Twin Study is a prospective twin study tracking the real-time developmental trajectories of the onset of anxiety, mood, psychotic or substance misuse disorders through adolescence and young adulthood. This unique study has now reached the point where reassessment (after 20 years) can be performed. We will now determine the extent to which outcomes are predicted by neurobiological and genetic markers. This information is critical to prevention or early intervention strategies.
Dopamine-2 Receptor Antibody In Movement And Psychiatric Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,783.00
Summary
Autoimmune movement and psychiatric disorders are a common cause of neurological disability young adults and adolescents. We have identified a subgroup of patients whose disease is associated with an autoimmune reaction. Our study will identify the earliest immune responses against the brain in children with autoimmune movement and psychiatric disorders. Identifying these early immune responses will allow early and directed treatments to prevent disability and death in the future.
Multivariate Whole Genome Estimation And Prediction Analysis Of Genomics Data Applied To Psychiatric Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$639,582.00
Summary
We have made major contributions to the development of statistical methods applied to data from the international Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. Major new data sets will soon become available, with immense sample sizes (100,000s) and more extensive clinical and environmental data. We will develop and apply novel statistical analyses of these data, to answer fundamental questions about the genetic basis of psychiatric disorders and the interplay of genetic and environmental risk factors.