Acceptance And Commitment Therapy For Medication-resistant Psychosis: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$558,200.00
Summary
In spite of advances in medication, approximately one third of people with schizophrenia continue to experience distressing symptoms such as hearing voices and paranoia. Psychological 'talking treatments' are effective in helping people to cope with and be less distressed by these experiences. This study will be the first trial of a new psychological treatment, called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which may be more effective, briefer and more easily provided than existing approaches.
Pubertal Timing, Brain Development And Mental Health In Adolescence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$786,976.00
Summary
Early timing of puberty is known to be associated with future mental health problems. This study aims to investigate whether children who go through adrenarche (an earlier phase of maturation) early are at risk for poor mental health during adolescence, and whether abnormal brain development is responsible for linking early adrenarche and mental health outcomes. The results of this research will have implications for the early detection of children at risk for mental health problems.
Characterization Of Novel, Colitis Associated Pathobionts To Identify Therapeutic Targets In The Host Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$684,609.00
Summary
Applying cutting edge methods to grow bacteria from the human gut, we have identified three species, two previously unknown, that are found in many inflammatory diseases including Inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and in cancer immunotherapy patients who experience colitis. By characterizing these bacteria and the immune response in human cells we are seeking to discover novel targetted methods to prevent colitis and gastrointestinal inflammation.
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is a debilitating psychological condition that affects at least 10% of bereaved people. There is limited knowledge on treating PGD. At present only 50% of affected people benefit from the treatment of choice. This project will test an augmented treatment that attempts to increase the efficacy of treatment for bereaved people suffering PGD. This program will shape more effective programs for assisting the 100's of thousands of Australians who suffer PGD.
The Diamond Cohort Study - Better Management Of Those At Risk Of Persistent And Disabling Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,563,309.00
Summary
Diamond began in 2005 to follow over 500 people with depressive symptoms to document and describe the nature and course of depression and its’ management over a decade of a participant’s life. Our findings will help us to understand the factors associated with depression recovery, relapse and persistence. We will inform clinical practice by developing a tool to assist GPs to identify those at risk of persistent and disabling depression, to enable better treatments.
Regulated Intracellular Trafficking Of A Potassium Channel In Gastric Acid-secreting Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,511.00
Summary
The cells of our bodies possess proteins that transport salts and other chemicals. These transport proteins must be correctly positioned in cells, a process that is poorly understood. If transport proteins are not positioned properly then diseases such as heart attack or diabetes may occur. Influencing the position of transport proteins may also be used to treat disease. This work investigates how a transport protein that shuttles potassium is correctly positioned in cells of the stomach.
Immune Activation In Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$471,597.00
Summary
Up to 30% of Australians are estimated to suffer from Functional Gastrointestinal Diseases such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Functional Dyspepsia, but the cause of these chronic diseases is unknown. Alterations in the immune system are increasingly suggested, but little is known about how this leads to the debilitating symptoms of discomfort and pain. This project combines immunology studies with neuroscience to determine the key mediators involved and how they communicate with nerves.