Deep Brain Stimulation In The Treatment Of Severe Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,008,087.00
Summary
Some patients with depression fail to respond to a variety of standard treatments and in this group, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is being evaluated as an alternative treatment option. This study will investigate the use of DBS applied to a novel brain target site in patients with highly treatment refractory depression.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Magnetic Seizure Therapy In Major Depressive Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,049.00
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the only established treatment for a substantial sub-population of patients who fail to respond to other therapies. However, there are significant complications of ECT including memory related side-effects. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a new form of treatment for severe depression, magnetic seizure therapy, which appears to have a substantially reduced rate of cognitive side-effects.
N-Acetyl Cysteine In Schizophrenia Resistant To Clozapine: A Double-Blind Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial Targeting Negative Symptoms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$981,789.00
Summary
Many patients with schizophrenia remain treatment resistant even after “last resort” medications like clozapine. This proposal will conduct a novel multi-site randomised placebo controlled trial of adjunctive N-acetyl cysteine in patients with clozapine resistant schizophrenia. Treatment efficacy will be examined at 8, 26 and 52 weeks.
Prof Fitzgerald a psychiatrist investigating the use of a range of non-drug biological treatments for patients with severe and treatment resistant mood (and related) disorders.
A Double-blind Sham Controlled Trial Of RTMS In Treatment Resistant Major Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,491.00
Summary
Treatment Resistant Depression is clearly a major health issue - depression is common, results in marked morbidity and mortality and a large percentage of patients do not respond to, or cannot tolerate standard treatment. The development of new treatments for this condition is undoubtedly required. International efforts are underway to try and establish the efficacy of high frequency left Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (HFL-TMS) to the point where the technique may be approved by regulatory a ....Treatment Resistant Depression is clearly a major health issue - depression is common, results in marked morbidity and mortality and a large percentage of patients do not respond to, or cannot tolerate standard treatment. The development of new treatments for this condition is undoubtedly required. International efforts are underway to try and establish the efficacy of high frequency left Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (HFL-TMS) to the point where the technique may be approved by regulatory authorities and clinically introduced. However, clearly the response rate to HFL-TMS is suboptimal for its widespread use. The overall goal of this research program is to develop repetitive TMS (rTMS) methods to the point at which they are highly relevant and applicable to clinical practice. None of the substantial international studies is focusing on novel applications such as sequential bilateral rTMS (SBrTMS). The planned outcome of this study is that it may change the focus of rTMS application and practice nationally and internationally. If we can follow our well received initial study of this technique with a substantial comparative trial as planned here, it will provide enough evidence for the more widespread adoption and testing of SBrTMS as a viable alternative to HFL-TMS. Ultimately, this or a modification of it, may become the rTMS administration method of choice. Additionally, we will have a sufficient sample size to start to explore meaningful predictors of clinical response including biological, psychosocial-personality variable predictors.Read moreRead less
Advancing Novel Brain Stimulation Treatment For Severe Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$575,662.00
Summary
The aim of the proposed research is to substantially escalate the development of a range of novel brain stimulation treatments for patients with severe treatment resistant depression (TRD). For example, to expand a substantive research program aimed at further developing methods for the application of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with depression.
Phase-Based Treatment For Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In Traumatized Refugees
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,003,340.00
Summary
Refugees report high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Low response rates to psychological interventions for PTSD in refugees may be explained by their failure to target co-morbid emotion regulation difficulties. In this project, we will test the efficacy of a phase-based intervention that first targets emotion regulation difficulties before implementing trauma-focused therapy to reduce PTSD in refugees. Findings will advance knowledge and inform clinical interventions for refugees.
Novel Strategies For The Treatment Of Alcohol Dependance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$290,629.00
Summary
The proposed project is designed to extend my current project and improve the treatment of alcohol dependence by addressing three barriers to successful treatment. Firstly, a novel, integrated, stepped-care treatment for alcohol dependence and comorbid anxiety or depression will be examined in a randomised controlled trial. Secondly, the relationship between sleep disturbances, relapse and treatment retention and outcomes will be characterised. Thirdly, genetic predictors to the treatment of the ....The proposed project is designed to extend my current project and improve the treatment of alcohol dependence by addressing three barriers to successful treatment. Firstly, a novel, integrated, stepped-care treatment for alcohol dependence and comorbid anxiety or depression will be examined in a randomised controlled trial. Secondly, the relationship between sleep disturbances, relapse and treatment retention and outcomes will be characterised. Thirdly, genetic predictors to the treatment of the anti-craving medications, acamprosate and naltrexone will be investigated. The first two aims will utilise subjects recruited across three sites in Sydney while the third aim will involve analyses of blood samples and clinical data from my current projectRead moreRead less
A Comparative Clinical Efficacy Trial Of Treatments For Melancholia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$309,711.00
Summary
This study seeks to improve treatment of melancholic depression by comparing three treatments, i) a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), ii) cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and, iii) a broad-spectrum antidepressant sequencing treatment approach. We hypothesize that the latter will be superior to both i) SSRI monotherapy, and ii) CBT monotherapy, over a 12-week trial period. Comparisons will be made with the US-based Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression trial.
First-Line Management Of Youth Depression: A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial Of Fluoxetine And Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,316,648.00
Summary
The study aims to establish how to best treat adolescents and young adults when they present to mental health clinics with moderate-to-severe depression. There is, at present, considerable uncertainty as to whether young people should be started on antidepressant treatment at the same time as psychotherapy, or whether psychotherapy alone be commenced first. The study aims to clarify this important issue by implementing a trial that compares both treatment approaches.