Building The Evidence Base For Prevention And Recovery Care Services
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,903.00
Summary
This project involves seven inter-related studies designed to evaluate the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of Victoria's Prevention and Recovery Care Services (PARCS), which are residential services for people with severe mental disorders. The project represents a partnership between universities, PARCS providers, clinical services and the Victorian Government, and will actively engage service users and their carers and other experts
Optimising Mental Health And Quality Of Life For Australia’s Military Personnel And Veterans With PTSD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$728,958.00
Summary
Military personnel can experience a range of traumatic events throughout their careers, and many develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result. Effective treatments for PTSD are available but involve seeing a mental health professional weekly for several months, which can be a difficult commitment for many military personnel and veterans to make. This project investigates whether standard treatment for PTSD is as effective when it’s delivered intensively in a shorter period of time.
Does Omega-3 Supplementation Attenuate Aggressive Behaviour: A Multi-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial Of A Broadly Disseminable Strategy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$845,278.00
Summary
Aggressive behaviour is a major problem worldwide, sometimes with dire consequences. Although there are many contributing factors, in this study we will test whether supplementing the diet with omega-3s will result in reduced aggressive behaviour in Australian prisoners. We will discuss the outcomes with key stakeholders, write a report to Corrective Services Administrators Council, develop education about omega-3s for inmates, and form a group to oversee these translation activities.
Improving The Mental Health Outcomes Of People With Intellectual Disability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,189,979.00
Summary
Australians with intellectual disability (ID) have very high rates of mental illness but experience very poor access to mental health services. Our research will develop a sound evidence base on the profile of mental ill health, service use, pathways to care and mental health policy for people with intellectual disability. Together with consumers and support persons we will examine ways to improve mental health services for people with intellectual disability.
Youth-specific Change And Outcome Measures For Effective Youth Mental Health Service Delivery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,522,563.00
Summary
Mental ill-health is the major issue facing young Australians and the Australian government has recognised this by investing in the headspace program which by 2016 will see 90 headspace centres operating across the nation. This project uses high quality research methods to establish best practice and ensure ongoing quality improvement and importantly, answer the question: “is headspace effective in addressing the mental health issues of young Australians?”
Improving Mental Health Screening For Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Pregnant Women And Mothers Of Young Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,369,612.00
Summary
Mental health during and after pregnancy is important for the well-being of mother and infant. Unfortunately Aboriginal women in remote Australia have high levels of anxiety and depression, which can have significant short and long-term impacts on both mother and child. Currently these issues are often not identified and if identified services may not feel equipped to address them. This study aims to improve screening for, and contribute to addressing, perinatal mental health issues.
Longitudinal Study Of Health, Disease And Access To Care In Rural Victoria: The Crossroads Follow Up Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$530,252.00
Summary
This project will focus on the rates of chronic ill health in a regional area of Victoria, and access to health services. This project will build on a large, comprehensive study that was conducted in the region from 2001-2003, and enable comparisons to be made in the rates of chronic health conditions including mental health conditions over this 15 year period, given increased accessibility in primary health care.
Access To Paid Parental Leave And The Health Of Young Mothers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$582,235.00
Summary
The Government’s Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme, which aims to improve workforce participation and maternal and infant health, is particularly significant for young mothers who were unlikely to have had access to paid leave previously. An intervention, implemented at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne, will provide information to young mothers and help them apply for PPL and will be evaluated in terms of its impact on workforce participation and maternal and infant health.
Reducing Impulsive Behaviour In Repeat Violent Offenders Using A Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (Zoloft)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,337,659.00
Summary
Strong evidence points to a link between poor impulse control (impulsivity) and violent crime. Impulsivity has been shown to be associated with reduced levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. In studies of impulsive individuals, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have reduced impulsive aggression but there has been no systematic study of the benefits of SSRIs for violent offenders at risk of reoffending. This research will investigate whether SSRIs can reduce repeat violent offend ....Strong evidence points to a link between poor impulse control (impulsivity) and violent crime. Impulsivity has been shown to be associated with reduced levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. In studies of impulsive individuals, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have reduced impulsive aggression but there has been no systematic study of the benefits of SSRIs for violent offenders at risk of reoffending. This research will investigate whether SSRIs can reduce repeat violent offending.Read moreRead less
HARMONY: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial Of A Whole Of General Practice Intervention To Prevent And Reduce Domestic Violence Among Migrant And Refugee Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$595,289.00
Summary
Migrant and refugee victims of domestic violence (DV) are at grave risk of harm and murder and under-identified in primary care. The Harmony partnership builds on evidence-based models of DV response, to trial an innovative intervention of culturally competent and safe care in general practices with significant numbers of migrant patients. Harmony will result in data platforms that enhance assessment and care plans for DV victims, and safer outcomes for those from vulnerable populations.