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.
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.
Cross-national Comparison Of Influences For The Development Of Harmful Young Adult Alcohol Use
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$571,737.00
Summary
Although young adulthood is a time of high alcohol problems, there is cross-national variation in rates of problems and policy responses. This project will survey age 24 adults in Washington State in the USA in 2013-14 that were initially recruited in 2002 (aged 13) and annually resurveyed at ages 14 and 15. The sample has been matched to enable comparison of behaviours and longitudinal influences to an equivalent longitudinal cohort being followed in Victoria, Australia (Combined N = 1,556).
Preventing Relapse Of Major Depressive Disorder In Youth: RCT Of A Novel Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Online Social Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,713,093.00
Summary
Youth depression is a serious illness that will afflict one in four young people. Despite the initial effectiveness of modern treatments, 52% to 85% of young people with depression will suffer repeated depressive episodes. The recurrence of youth depression makes it the greatest cause of disability during youth worldwide. The aim of this project is to assess the effectiveness of a novel mindfulness-based cognitive online social media intervention in preventing relapse in youth depression.
Individualised Vocational Support For Youth With Borderline Personality Disorder: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,359,118.00
Summary
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder that can significantly disrupt normal vocational (i.e., education and employment) development. This trial investigates whether early intervention with a specialised Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model for vocational recovery is more effective than usual vocational supports for 15-25 year olds with BPD. It is expected that IPS will result in more days in mainstream employment and education.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Low-dose Ketamine In Youth With Severe Depression And Elevated Suicide Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,232,757.00
Summary
Recent research has shown that a single injection of low-dose ketamine has powerful, though short-lived, antidepressant effects. Effective treatments are urgently needed for young people with severe depression. This will be the first controlled study to test whether repeated doses of ketamine, given over 4 weeks, is effective for young patients.
Stress Vulnerability In Youth With Borderline Personality Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$873,689.00
Summary
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder with adverse long-term outcomes, including suicide. BPD is characterised by vulnerability to stressful life events and catastrophic responses to stress. This study of youth early in the course of BPD examines the baseline biological characteristics of the stress response system, how these characteristics might be influenced by treatment and how this relates to treatment outcome. The findings will inform early intervention for BPD.
Intervention Trial To Reduce Alcohol Related Harms Among High Risk Young Indigenous Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$392,553.00
Summary
Indigenous Australians experience disproportionately high rates of drug and alcohol harms and young people are particularly vulnerable: over 50% of 10-17 year old juvenile detainees are Indigenous, despite comprising only 2% of the population. There is no reliable evidence about which interventions might reduce these harms. This study quantifies the benefits/costs of combining cognitive-behaviour therapy with a community-reinforcement strategy to reduce substance-related harms among young Indige ....Indigenous Australians experience disproportionately high rates of drug and alcohol harms and young people are particularly vulnerable: over 50% of 10-17 year old juvenile detainees are Indigenous, despite comprising only 2% of the population. There is no reliable evidence about which interventions might reduce these harms. This study quantifies the benefits/costs of combining cognitive-behaviour therapy with a community-reinforcement strategy to reduce substance-related harms among young Indigenous Australians.Read moreRead less
Molecular Mechanisms Of Testosterone Action On Midbrain Dopamine Neuron Differentiation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$339,739.00
Summary
Schizophrenia is characterized by psychosis, social and occupational dysfunction and cognitive deficits. Males are more often diagnosed and more severely impaired than females. Onset in males is most frequent during adolescence, a time of increasing sex hormones. We ask, how do sex hormones act on the adolescent male brain to impact the onset and symptoms of schizophrenia? The answer will allow development of gender and age-specific interventions to prevent onset or ameliorate symptoms.
Sexual And Reproductive Health And Behaviours Of Young Offenders (14-18 Years) In NSW & Qld
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$869,730.00
Summary
Young Indigenous and non-Indigenous offenders in Australia aged 14 and 15 years have never been systematically surveyed regarding their sexual and reproductive health in Australia. Thus we have little information on which to base education and policy initiatives. To address this knowledge gap we will systematically survey young people in contact with the juvenile justice system aged 14-18 years to provide a comprehensive picture of their sexual and reproductive behaviours and needs.