PHARMACOGENETICS OF ANTIDEPRESSANT RESPONSE AND REMISSION: TOWARD GENOTYPE-GUIDED PRESCRIBING IN MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$435,524.00
Summary
A “one-size fits all” approach to antidepressant pharmacotherapy in depression is suboptimal. Current technology and scientific data support the transition to a personalised approach to antidepressant pharmacotherapy. My research will (1) develop and test genetic based algorithms for their ability to predict antidepressant response and remission and (2) evaluate the clinical validity and utility of currently available algorithms in clinical practice.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Genes, Cognition And Brain Activity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,602.00
Summary
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common psychiatric disorder of childhood that is marked by age-inappropriate levels of inattention and-or hyperactivity-impulsivity. The disorder appears genetic with a number of different genes likely contributing risk for ADHD. I will use a multi-modal (genetic, cognitive, neurochemical, physiological) approach to increase our understanding of the biological mechanisms leading from gene to disorder in ADHD.
Mechanisms Controlling Sympathetic Nerve Activity To The Heart
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$101,220.00
Summary
In heart failure there is a large increase in sympathetic nerve activity to the heart and the kidney that has detrimental effects which is related to mortality in patients. The areas in the brain causing the increased nerve activity to the heart are unknown. We will investigate the role of two key brain areas in mediating this increase. In addition we will also focus on local mechanisms that are responsible for the increase in noradrenaline spillover.
Psychosis contributes significantly to global disease burden, affecting more than 3% of the population when schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorders are considered together. These conditions aggregate within families, and genetic risk factors do not conform to traditional diagnostic categories. My work employs brain-based classification techniques to derive subtypes of psychosis that dissect, and/or span the diagnostic categories, for investigation of modifiable genetic and ....Psychosis contributes significantly to global disease burden, affecting more than 3% of the population when schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorders are considered together. These conditions aggregate within families, and genetic risk factors do not conform to traditional diagnostic categories. My work employs brain-based classification techniques to derive subtypes of psychosis that dissect, and/or span the diagnostic categories, for investigation of modifiable genetic and environmental risk factors for psychosis.Read moreRead less
FIGHTING MENTAL AND NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS: MECHANISTIC BIOMARKERS, DISARMING SYMPTOMS AND NOVEL TREATMENTS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
This work will reduce uncontrollable and traumatic mental imagery and hallucination symptoms across many mental and neurological disorders. It will show what causes these symptoms and hence, how to control them. It will discover multiple mechanistic biomarkers and develop novel brain-stimulation and behavioural therapy techniques to control these traumatic symptoms. This work represents the first major progress in treating these common, yet enigmatic mental health and psychiatric symptoms.
Improving Internet-delivered Psychological Therapies For Depression And Anxiety
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,034.00
Summary
Depression and anxiety affect 3 million Australians. While effective psychological treatments exist, even the best only help 50% recover, and relapse is common. My research aims to improve the treatment of adult depression and anxiety, through developing more effective, efficient and accessible internet-delivered psychological therapies and identifying the conditions that promote optimal long-term outcomes.