Mental Health First Aid Training In The Workplace: A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Online And Blended Modes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,247.00
Summary
This project will evaluate the effects of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, which aims to teach members of the public how to support people they know who are developing a mental health problem or are in a mental health crisis. Training will be offered to Victorian public servants to see whether it changes their knowledge, attitudes and helping behaviour. MHFA training will be delivered either online or as a blend of online with face-to-face teaching, and will be compared with online Red C ....This project will evaluate the effects of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, which aims to teach members of the public how to support people they know who are developing a mental health problem or are in a mental health crisis. Training will be offered to Victorian public servants to see whether it changes their knowledge, attitudes and helping behaviour. MHFA training will be delivered either online or as a blend of online with face-to-face teaching, and will be compared with online Red Cross physical first aid training as a control.Read moreRead less
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.
The N-ICE Trial: A Randomised Controlled Trial Of The Safety And Efficacy Of N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) As A Pharmacotherapy For Methamphetamine (“ice”) Dependence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,551,368.00
Summary
Crystalline methamphetamine (aka ‘ice’) is a significant public health concern in Australia and globally. Currently there are no approved medications to treat methamphetamine dependence. We will trial tN-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) as a medications for methamphetamine dependence.
Preventing Child Internalising Problems: Follow Up Of A Population-based Randomised Trial Through Middle Childhood.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$472,604.00
Summary
Many Australians suffer with internalising problems (anxiety, depression). They affect 1 in 7 school age children, impacting peer relations, school engagement and later mental health. Inhibited temperament (fearfulness, withdrawal) places children at risk. In 2010-14 we conducted a randomised prevention trial, screening preschoolers for inhibition and offering the Cool Little Kids parenting group program to those affected. We are now following families in this trial in mid-childhood (age 7-10).
A Stepped Care Approach For The Management Of Childhood Anxiety Disorders: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$936,628.00
Summary
Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental disorder in childhood. Research has led to some good treatments but these don't necessarily suit all families. Stepped care is a format that allows the least complicated treatment to be given to a child first, followed by more intense treatments only when needed. The current study aims to compare this approach against a standard, established treatment. We expect the stepped care approach to result in better outcomes at a lower overall cost.
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.
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a common and frequently undiagnosed neurological disease due to thiamine deficiency. The condition leads to cognitive and neurological disability and mostly affects people with alcohol dependence. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is eminently treatable with thiamine, although we have insufficient knowledge regarding the best dose of thiamine to treat the condition. This project proposes two controlled trials to evaluate treatment effectiveness of thiamine for Wernicke-K ....Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a common and frequently undiagnosed neurological disease due to thiamine deficiency. The condition leads to cognitive and neurological disability and mostly affects people with alcohol dependence. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is eminently treatable with thiamine, although we have insufficient knowledge regarding the best dose of thiamine to treat the condition. This project proposes two controlled trials to evaluate treatment effectiveness of thiamine for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.Read moreRead less
Intergenerational Transmission Of PTSD Vulnerability: Does PTSD In A Parent Increase The Risk Of Mental Health Disorders In Their Offspring?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$742,136.00
Summary
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurs after exposure to trauma; more than 1 million Australians suffer from it. By comparing offspring of Vietnam veteran fathers with PTSD with offspring of veteran fathers with no PSTD, this study will test whether there are ripple effects of PTSD in families of Vietnam veterans, whether they are at higher risk of mental health disorders, and whether their mothers can protect them from psychological disorders.
Developing Evidence For The Primary Prevention Of Depressive Disorders: The Role Of Diet And Physical Activity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$672,136.00
Summary
This study will examine the association between diet, physical activity and depression and bipolar disorders. It will examine whether an individual's regular diet and-or levels of physical activity are related to the development and-or course of these psychiatric illnesses. There is evidence to suggest that our changing diets may play an important role in the development of mood disorders such as depression. The typical western diet has become high in saturated fats and refined sugar, while the ....This study will examine the association between diet, physical activity and depression and bipolar disorders. It will examine whether an individual's regular diet and-or levels of physical activity are related to the development and-or course of these psychiatric illnesses. There is evidence to suggest that our changing diets may play an important role in the development of mood disorders such as depression. The typical western diet has become high in saturated fats and refined sugar, while the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables has declined, and these large-scale dietary changes may be contributing to increasing rates of depression. Moreover, there is evidence of physical activity being protective against depression, while physical inactivity is a risk factor for depression. Our lifestyles are increasingly sedentary and this may also be a contributing factor to the development of mood disorders. This study will involve women enrolled in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study (GOS), which comprises a highly representative sample of randomly-selected women from the Barwon region. The study will prospectively examine the relationships between diet and exercise and the later development of depressive disorders. To date, there is little data focusing on the role of lifestyle factors in the development of depressive disorders. This study will contribute comprehensive information regarding modifiable lifestyle factors that play a role in the development of these disorders. This data can be incorporated with information regarding other modifiable risk factors, such as drug and alcohol misuse, to create a simple public health message on how to reduce one's risk of developing these disorders. A preventative approach to mental illness would be cost-effective and able to be implemented at a population level. It is likely to lead to better outcomes for those affected by depressive illnesses and reduce the public health burden of psychiatric illness in Australia.Read moreRead less
Genetic And Environmental Contributions To The Life Course Of The Common Mental Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,529,567.00
Summary
The common mental disorders (anxiety, depression, substance use) constitute a major disease burden and cost on the health system. Little is known about their causes and patterns of occurrence over the life span. This study follows a sample of 4000 persons from birth to 30 years of age to determine the environmental and genetic factors that lead to the onset and recurrence of the common mental disorders. It will provide important information to influence the treatment and prevention of these diso ....The common mental disorders (anxiety, depression, substance use) constitute a major disease burden and cost on the health system. Little is known about their causes and patterns of occurrence over the life span. This study follows a sample of 4000 persons from birth to 30 years of age to determine the environmental and genetic factors that lead to the onset and recurrence of the common mental disorders. It will provide important information to influence the treatment and prevention of these disorders.Read moreRead less