Extrasynaptic GABA-A Receptors As Novel Targets For -Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$525,946.00
Summary
GHB (known as Fantasy) is a curious substance. It is a drug of abuse, a therapy and occurs naturally in the brain. GHB targets brain proteins including the enigmatic _GHB receptor� which participates in the therapeutic benefits of GHB. Our research will determine whether the delta-containing GABA-A receptors are the elusive "GHB receptor". Uncovering the identity of the the elusive _GHB receptor� would be a major breakthrough in terms of our understanding of the therapeutic and recreational use ....GHB (known as Fantasy) is a curious substance. It is a drug of abuse, a therapy and occurs naturally in the brain. GHB targets brain proteins including the enigmatic _GHB receptor� which participates in the therapeutic benefits of GHB. Our research will determine whether the delta-containing GABA-A receptors are the elusive "GHB receptor". Uncovering the identity of the the elusive _GHB receptor� would be a major breakthrough in terms of our understanding of the therapeutic and recreational use of GHB and its action as a brain chemical.Read moreRead less
Selective Attention And Fear Avoidance In The Maintenance And Management Of Pain Associated With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$195,660.00
Summary
Despite advances in the treatment of RA, the condition continues to have a chronic course for the majority of patients. Research has established that the way in which people think about pain and illness influences their responses to symptoms. In turn, these factors can impinge on quality of life and disability. For people with chronic pain problems, those who are fearful of pain and concentrate on symptoms have a poorer outcome in the long-term. In RA, striking a balance between rest and exercis ....Despite advances in the treatment of RA, the condition continues to have a chronic course for the majority of patients. Research has established that the way in which people think about pain and illness influences their responses to symptoms. In turn, these factors can impinge on quality of life and disability. For people with chronic pain problems, those who are fearful of pain and concentrate on symptoms have a poorer outcome in the long-term. In RA, striking a balance between rest and exercise is thought to be crucial. As such, ignoring the pain can lead to overactivity and subsequent joint damage and may be as unhelpful as underactivity. This project aims to investigate the relationship between people's fear of pain and the degree to which they attend to pain. It is suggested that those with very high or very low levels of fear towards the pain will either over-attend or under-attend to pain in comparison to healthy controls and patients with a moderate level of fear. Optimum levels of fear avoidance are expected to be associated with less disability and improved joint function. These findings have implications for the management of RA. Psychological treatments for patients with RA have been found to be effective in reducing pain, disability and improving mood. Treatments usually focus on a combination of changing people's attitudes and behaviours. However, whether strategies that aim to change attitudes or those targeting behaviour are more successful or have specific treatment effects is unknown. The present project will compare a treatment targeting behaviours associated with RA and encouraging a balanace between rest and exercise, with a treatment targeting patient's beliefs about the illness. It is expected that the treatments will have specific effects, which may better allow tailoring of psychological management to patient's individual needs.Read moreRead less
Using Conversational Computer Technology To Improve Diabetes Management: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$708,606.00
Summary
The diabetes epidemic is a growing challenge for the Australian health care system with over 1 million Australians living with diabetes. The impact on individuals' lives and the whole of Australian society is very substantial indeed. There is very good evidence that this impact would be reduced by developing new approaches to manage the disease and facilitate improved self-management. Recent developments in information and communications technologies offer some promising new ways and tools for a ....The diabetes epidemic is a growing challenge for the Australian health care system with over 1 million Australians living with diabetes. The impact on individuals' lives and the whole of Australian society is very substantial indeed. There is very good evidence that this impact would be reduced by developing new approaches to manage the disease and facilitate improved self-management. Recent developments in information and communications technologies offer some promising new ways and tools for achieving this. This research will evaluate a computer-controlled, interactive telephone system for improving the management and self-management of Type 2 diabetes in addition to routine care. Patients with Type 2 diabetes will be recruited from Brisbane and each patient will be randomly assigned to receive either this new program or just their usual care from their doctor or Diabetes Clinic. The first group will call the system weekly for six months using a regular phone or a mobile phone if they wish. During the call, they will answer questions by speaking into the phone, listen to feedback and strategies for improving management of their diabetes and then discuss their next targets and behavioural actions. They will receive systematic and tailored advice on blood glucose testing, nutrition and physical activity, as well as medication taking and foot care. The system individualises conversations according to the user s answers and responses over all the interactive sessions. The trial will formally evaluate the clinical impact on blood glucose control and the adoption and maintenance of the targeted health habits, as well as the intervention s cost-effectiveness and users satisfaction with the system. This project s significance lies in the excellent potential of using this new technology to provide a 'low cost' but effective program to help people better manage Type 2 diabetes.Read moreRead less
The Ecstasy Check-Up: A Multi-site Trial Of A Brief Intervention For Ecstasy Use Among Regular Ecstasy Users
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$458,432.00
Summary
Rates of ecstasy use have continued to rise rapidly over the past 10-15 years, particularly among young people. This is of concern, as several studies indicate that ecstasy is associated with a range of short- and long-term harms. Although many users acknowledge risks associated with ecstasy use, few users seek treatment. Therefore, the current project will aim to reduce ecstasy use and harm by providing non-treatment seeking ecstasy users with a brief motivational intervention.