Preventing mental health problems in children: a population-based cluster controlled trial. The National Mental Health Survey (2000) found 1 in 7 children have externalising (aggression) and internalising (anxiety, depression) problems. Early mental health problems beget later problems with high costs to society, including clinical, remedial education and criminal justice services. Hence, early prevention is vital for national well-being and productivity. The few preventive early childhood progr ....Preventing mental health problems in children: a population-based cluster controlled trial. The National Mental Health Survey (2000) found 1 in 7 children have externalising (aggression) and internalising (anxiety, depression) problems. Early mental health problems beget later problems with high costs to society, including clinical, remedial education and criminal justice services. Hence, early prevention is vital for national well-being and productivity. The few preventive early childhood programs to date are limited in effectiveness and not truly population-based. The proposed parenting / family support trial aims to overcome these obstacles, by comparing and costing two approaches that can be implemented within whole communities. The trial will help clarify optimal primary care to prevent mental health problems early in life.Read moreRead less
Dissecting the shared genetic architecture of psychiatric and psychological traits with application to prediction of genetic risk. Identification of the early phase of psychiatric disorders is considered critical for early intervention which is the essence of prevention. At present, the main obstacle to targeted early intervention strategies in psychiatric disorders is the non-specific nature of early stage symptoms. Many psychiatric disorders present with symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety ....Dissecting the shared genetic architecture of psychiatric and psychological traits with application to prediction of genetic risk. Identification of the early phase of psychiatric disorders is considered critical for early intervention which is the essence of prevention. At present, the main obstacle to targeted early intervention strategies in psychiatric disorders is the non-specific nature of early stage symptoms. Many psychiatric disorders present with symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety in the early stages, yet best intervention treatments are dependent on the final (unknown) diagnosed disorder. Prediction of genetic risk is likely to make an important contribution for identification of individuals at risk of specific psychiatric disorders so that the best early intervention treatment can be administered. Read moreRead less