Neurodevelopmental Risk Factors For Depression From Childhood To Early Adulthood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
To understand who is at risk for depression, we need to understand how both the environment and biological factors promote risk at specific times in the life cycle. This research project will examine such risk factors in different phases of life (from in utero to early adulthood) using a developmental framework. The results of this research will provide a clearer basis for the design of prevention strategies that target individuals, their families and/or broader environmental factors.
Impact Of Social Adversity On The Developmental Trajectory To Mental Illness: A Study Of A Whole-population Cohort Of Children At Familial High-risk For Psychotic Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$822,385.00
Summary
The objective of this study is to use the rich multi-generational data collection that we have assembled on the life course of a large whole-population birth cohort and their parents to address specific research questions on the contribution of social adversity to the pathogenesis of mental illness, taking into account the interplay of social adversity with genetic risk and the range of other contributing factors on the developmental trajectory to mental illness.
It remains unclear what the causes of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders are and what the most effective interventions are for preventing onset of disorder in those at risk. The current research program consists of a number of interrelated studies of how psychosis develops, the most effective sequential treatments to prevent the onset of disorder in high risk young people, and testing clinical criteria to identify young people at risk of a range of serious mental illnesses.
Prospective Imaging Study Of Ageing: Genes, Brain & Behaviour
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,465,047.00
Summary
While the burden of dementia in Australia occurs late in life, the underlying brain disease accumulates for decades prior to dementia onset. Disease modifying interventions have the greatest potential to avert later disease burden if introduced during this crucial window, well before the onset of clear cognitive decline. To reduce Australia's future dementia burden, it is thus imperative to identify those Australians at risk of dementia whilst they are still relatively young.
Predictors Of Outcome And Intervention In The ‘Ultra-High Risk’ For Psychosis Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,561.00
Summary
This area of research is concerned with improving our ability to identify young help-seeking patients who are most at risk of developing psychotic disorders and provide intervention to delay or prevent the onset of psychosis. A number of studies are planned, including researching disturbances in sense of self, neurocognitive factors, history of trauma and reaction to stress as predictive of future onset of psychosis, as well as a study of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) as an intervention for the ....This area of research is concerned with improving our ability to identify young help-seeking patients who are most at risk of developing psychotic disorders and provide intervention to delay or prevent the onset of psychosis. A number of studies are planned, including researching disturbances in sense of self, neurocognitive factors, history of trauma and reaction to stress as predictive of future onset of psychosis, as well as a study of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) as an intervention for these high risk young people.Read moreRead less
Overcoming Barriers To Improved Physical Health In People With Severe Mental Illness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$864,658.00
Summary
People with severe mental illness have high rates of cardiometabolic disease and reduced life-expectancy. Public intervention campaigns have had little impact on component risks (obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, poor nutrition). This study will determine factors associated with changes in cardiometabolic profiles in people with severe mental illness; examine impediments to risk modification; and develop targeted interventions for implementation within mental health services.
The Aetiology Of Alcohol Use Disorders In Adulthood: A Generational Perspective
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$630,927.00
Summary
This study aims to investigate the causes of alcohol problems in adult Australians. We will follow-up participants from a birth cohort study who are now in their thirties. We will assess long term outcomes from in-utero exposure to alcohol and biological, developmental and genetic predictors of alcohol disorders in adulthood. This study also aims to study genetic factors which may be important in the development of alcohol abuse and dependence.
Novel Therapies, Risk Pathways And Prevention Of Mood Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,413.00
Summary
Concordant with the NHMRC priorities, this fellowship will principally focus on the development of novel therapies for mood disorders. We have pilot data that the amino acid, N acetyl cysteine reduces symptoms in unipolar and bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. We will further delineate the spectrum of efficacy, mechanisms of action and tolerability profile of this and related agents. We also will study risk factors and pathways for the development of depression, to develop public health strateg ....Concordant with the NHMRC priorities, this fellowship will principally focus on the development of novel therapies for mood disorders. We have pilot data that the amino acid, N acetyl cysteine reduces symptoms in unipolar and bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. We will further delineate the spectrum of efficacy, mechanisms of action and tolerability profile of this and related agents. We also will study risk factors and pathways for the development of depression, to develop public health strategies.Read moreRead less
Improving Cardiovascular Health And Quality Of Life In People With Severe Mental Illness: A Randomised Trial Of A ‘partners In Health’ Intervention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$960,320.00
Summary
People with severe mental illness die 13-30 years earlier than other people, mostly from physical illnesses especially cardiovascular disease. Physical health care services are poor for these patients and need urgent improvement. Our team has developed a process to deliver good physical health care using the Flinders Program and recovery framework. This project evaluates the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the process, and shows how health services can deliver physical health care.
Network Biomarkers Of Traumatic Stress Resilience And Sensitivity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$647,344.00
Summary
Psychosocial stress is a major risk factor for several of the most debilitating mental illnesses including major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder. By understanding the genomic basis of resilience and adverse response to traumatic stress in humans, we may predict and prevent psychopathology. This international collaborative research will use blood from soldiers exposed to extreme combat experience to identify biomarkers of stress and resilience.