Neural Changes Associated With Symptom Improvement In Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Following Exposure Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$223,855.00
Summary
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic disorder with enormous psychological, social and economic consequences that affects approximately 10-15% of Australians. Recent international research is focused on identifying mechanisms underlying effective treatments of PTSD, in an attempt to understand both the processes that maintain PTSD, and to help target more precise interventions to prevent chronic PTSD, a disabling condition that creates an enormous economic burden on health and compen ....Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic disorder with enormous psychological, social and economic consequences that affects approximately 10-15% of Australians. Recent international research is focused on identifying mechanisms underlying effective treatments of PTSD, in an attempt to understand both the processes that maintain PTSD, and to help target more precise interventions to prevent chronic PTSD, a disabling condition that creates an enormous economic burden on health and compensation systems. This project will be the first study to identify the neural mechanisms underlying effective exposure-based treatment of PTSD. Exposure-based treatments are the current treatments of choice for PTSD, with several studies showing them to be highly effective in treating PTSD. Yet, the mechanisms and agents of change underlying this effective treatment remain unknown. Exploring the neural networks associated with effective treatment and symptom change will help identify and elucidate the mechanisms underlying exposure treatment. This has critical clinical implications, enabling insight into biological mechanisms underlying PTSD, more precise identification of populations that are less responsive to standard exposure-based treatments, and eventually will lead to better targeted and more effective treatment of chronic PTSD.Read moreRead less
Using Broadcast Media And Internet To Increase Public Understanding And Participation In Randomized Controlled Trials
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,442.00
Summary
Around the world consumers use the media and search the internet for information regarding health and medical care. This research program aims to evaluate the validity and applicability of internet based randomized controlled trials compared to traditional methods of conducting randomized trials. The results will help determine the future direction of internet based trials, and will enhance public awareness of methods to assess the effectiveness of health care interventions.
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
An Intervention Trial To Prevent Cognitive Impairment And Depression In Older Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$286,018.00
Summary
A gradual decline in the thinking processes, dementia and depression are major health issues for older people. There is already some evidence that deficiency in certain vitamins may be contributing to these problems. This project seeks to evaluate an inexpensive and simple vitamin supplement which may provide a highly cost-effective method of preventing cognitive decline, dementia and depression in older people. This research will also allow the evaluation of the role of certain biological and g ....A gradual decline in the thinking processes, dementia and depression are major health issues for older people. There is already some evidence that deficiency in certain vitamins may be contributing to these problems. This project seeks to evaluate an inexpensive and simple vitamin supplement which may provide a highly cost-effective method of preventing cognitive decline, dementia and depression in older people. This research will also allow the evaluation of the role of certain biological and genetic risk factors which may also impact on these problems. This project seeks to do a trial of these vitamins in older men who are at particular risk for these problems. The men in this project will be monitored by simple tests of their thinking and evaluating any symptoms of depression.Read moreRead less