Evaluation Of Internet-based, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy For The Treatment Of Anxiety Disorders In Adolescents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$570,750.00
Summary
Anxiety disorders affect around 5-10% of adolescents and are associated with a range of adverse consequences if left untreated. The majority of young people with anxiety disorders do not seek nor receive treatment. This may be due partly to the perceived stigma of attending a mental health clinic and logistic problems of attending therapy. A challenge is to identify ways in which treatment can be made more accessible to adolescents in need, particularly those in rural and remote areas. Contrary ....Anxiety disorders affect around 5-10% of adolescents and are associated with a range of adverse consequences if left untreated. The majority of young people with anxiety disorders do not seek nor receive treatment. This may be due partly to the perceived stigma of attending a mental health clinic and logistic problems of attending therapy. A challenge is to identify ways in which treatment can be made more accessible to adolescents in need, particularly those in rural and remote areas. Contrary to original beliefs, evidence shows that the internet can be used to deliver effective psychological therapies for a range of mental health problems, including anxiety disorders. So far this research has focused on adults, but adolescents may be in a particularly strong position to benefit from these forms of therapy, being experienced users of internet resources. This research investigates the effectiveness of internet-based cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) in the treatment for anxiety disorders in adolescents. Recently we have piloted CBT for anxious children that combines clinic and internet therapy, with half the therapy sessions in the clinic and half over the internet. Pilot data show that clinic + internet therapy produced significant reductions in anxiety and is almost as effective full clinic-based therapy. The proposed research builds on our pilot work by evaluating the effectiveness of a more extensive internet-based therapy in which all sessions are completed using the internet and with an older age group. The research also examines the factors that predict which young people will respond most positively to the intervention so that the treatment can be matched to those most likely to benefit from it in the future. The aim is to develop an effective internet-based treatment for adolescents with anxiety disorders that is easily accessed and suitable for use in rural and remote populations, requiring minimal face-to-face therapist contact.Read moreRead less
Transdiagnostic Internet Therapy For Internalizing Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,348.00
Summary
Anxiety and depressive disorders account for 58% of the burden of mental disorders, or 7.5% of the burden of human disease. Internet treatments for the individual disorders are effective but require careful diagnosis. We intend to develop and prove the effectiveness of a transdiagnostic Internet treatment program that will be easily used by primary care clinicians. We will disseminate and evaluate the developed and proven program to general practitioners and psychologists.
Antipsychotic Medication In First-episode Psychosis: An RCT To Assess The Risk-benefit Ratio
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,141,117.00
Summary
There has been an increasing emphasis on intervening early in psychotic disorders. A fundamental principle in early intervention is “to do no harm” and benefits must outweigh the risks of treatment. While antipsychotic medication is very effective and evidence-based form of treatment for positive symptoms in most first episode psychosis (FEP) patients it has risks. This study has the potential to determine whether antipsychotic medication should be the initial treatment option for FEP.
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).
Standalone Internet Anxiety Treatment For Stuttering: A Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$516,339.00
Summary
Anxiety-related mental health disorders, particularly social phobia, are common comorbid conditions among adults who stutter. This project establishes randomised controlled trial evidence for the psychological benefits of our Internet CBT treatment. This project also establishes whether our Internet CBT treatment reduces stuttering severity when combined with speech treatment. The design is an open plan, parallel, pragmatic randomised controlled trial.
Randomised Controlled Trial Of The RECOVER Tailored Psychological Intervention For First Episode Bipolar Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,550,291.00
Summary
Bipolar disorder (BD) is one of the most disabling health conditions experienced by young adults, yet there are currently no psychological treatment options specifically developed for early intervention in BD. This project will test if a new psychological intervention called RECOVER, administered to young people who have experienced a first episode of BD, can help prevent this experience from developing into a chronic disorder.
Randomised Control Trial Of Exercise For The Management Of Cannabis Withdrawal In Adult Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$542,036.00
Summary
This project will evaluate a novel approach to cannabis detoxification. It is hypothesized that undertaking an exercise intervention will reduce cannabis withdrawal symptoms by stimulating the release of cannabis-like compounds produced by the body and/or through promoting the release of THC (the main psychoactive component of cannabis) from fat stores. The potential public health, research and clinical implications are considerable, particularly given the high accessibility of the intervention.
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.
Multi-site Randomised Controlled Trial Of Fluoxetine In Children And Adolescents With Autism.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$499,482.00
Summary
Fluoxetine is a medication that is increasingly used in children with autism in an attempt to control repetitive behaviours, which substantially interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. However clinicians working in the field of autism and goverment regulatory bodies (such as the TGA) require evidence of the efficacy of fluoxetine for this indication. This study aims to determine this, thereby addressing an important gap in clinical knowledge.