Assertive Care: A Randomised Trial To Reduce Cardiovascular Risk For People With Severe Mental Illness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,487,357.00
Summary
The physical health of people with severe mental illness is at crisis point. People die 15-20 years earlier than the general population from cardiovascular diseases that are preventable. Treatments do exist but routine identification is not happening and people with severe mental illness are missing out. Our assertive care intervention will identify, assess, treat, and follow up to reduce cardiovascular risk in severe mental illness and improve health outcomes.
Developing Evidence For The Primary Prevention Of Depressive Disorders: The Role Of Diet And Physical Activity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$672,136.00
Summary
This study will examine the association between diet, physical activity and depression and bipolar disorders. It will examine whether an individual's regular diet and-or levels of physical activity are related to the development and-or course of these psychiatric illnesses. There is evidence to suggest that our changing diets may play an important role in the development of mood disorders such as depression. The typical western diet has become high in saturated fats and refined sugar, while the ....This study will examine the association between diet, physical activity and depression and bipolar disorders. It will examine whether an individual's regular diet and-or levels of physical activity are related to the development and-or course of these psychiatric illnesses. There is evidence to suggest that our changing diets may play an important role in the development of mood disorders such as depression. The typical western diet has become high in saturated fats and refined sugar, while the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables has declined, and these large-scale dietary changes may be contributing to increasing rates of depression. Moreover, there is evidence of physical activity being protective against depression, while physical inactivity is a risk factor for depression. Our lifestyles are increasingly sedentary and this may also be a contributing factor to the development of mood disorders. This study will involve women enrolled in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study (GOS), which comprises a highly representative sample of randomly-selected women from the Barwon region. The study will prospectively examine the relationships between diet and exercise and the later development of depressive disorders. To date, there is little data focusing on the role of lifestyle factors in the development of depressive disorders. This study will contribute comprehensive information regarding modifiable lifestyle factors that play a role in the development of these disorders. This data can be incorporated with information regarding other modifiable risk factors, such as drug and alcohol misuse, to create a simple public health message on how to reduce one's risk of developing these disorders. A preventative approach to mental illness would be cost-effective and able to be implemented at a population level. It is likely to lead to better outcomes for those affected by depressive illnesses and reduce the public health burden of psychiatric illness in Australia.Read moreRead less
Building The Evidence Base For Suicide Prevention: The Victorian Suicide Register
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$189,238.00
Summary
This partnership between the Coroners Court of Victoria, the Lifeline Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the University of Melbourne and Monash University will develop and evaluate a suicide register. The register will contain detailed information on those who die and the circumstances surrounding their deaths. This information is not systematically collected elsewhere, and will help prevent future suicides by informing coroners’ recommendations and strengthening the broader evidence base.
Healthy, Wealthy And Wise: The Long-term Effectiveness Of An Online Universal Program To Prevent Substance Use And Mental Health Problems Among Australian Youth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,472,709.00
Summary
The proposed study represents a unique opportunity to build on the NHMRC funded Climate Schools Combined (CSC) study, a world-first trial of a combined, internet-delivered school-based approach to preventing substance use, anxiety and depression. Having successfully implemented this trial and followed these students for 3 years, we propose to extend follow-up of this large trial cohort over the critical transition from secondary school into early adulthood.
Increasing Access To Early Prevention Of Internalising Problems: An Internet-based Parenting Program For Young Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,860.00
Summary
The proposed research aims to help prevent the development of anxiety disorders in young children. An internet version of an existing face-to-face parent training program will be developed and tested in a clinical trial. The program will target young children at risk of anxiety disorders and will teach parents skills in how to help their child cope with new situations. The internet-based program will be easily accessible to parents and can be widely disseminated in Australian communities.
Innovative Responses To Prevention And Treatment Of Mental Disorders And Substance Use.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,490.00
Summary
My vision is to build the world’s leading dedicated translational research program for the prevention and treatment of comorbid mental health and substance abuse. While it is widely recognised that there is significant comorbidity in these two areas they have traditionally been approached in isolation, making it virtually impossible to make significant inroads. I seek to increase our understanding, prevent these where possible and improve treatment responses.
Preventing Anxiety, Depression And Substance Use In Adolescents.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,709,988.00
Summary
Anxiety, depressive and substance use disorders account for three quarters of the disability attributed to mental disorders. Yet we have few models of well-implemented prevention programs for these common disorders. The current proposal addresses this gap by evaluating an innovative internet-based approach to preventing mental health and substance use problems in Australian adolescents.
Preventing Suicide In Young People: A Public Health Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Suicide is the leading cause of death in young Australians. This fellowship aims to lower risk for suicide by testing: a) whether improving the connectedness of adolescents in schools can improve help-seeking, b) whether parents can learn to recognise risk in their children, and c) whether school screening is an appropriate and effective strategy to reduce risk. Practical outcomes will be new programs for youth, new strategies for parents and a better integrated approach for Australian schools.
PRevention & Early Intervention In Mental Illness And Substance UsE (PREMISE CRE)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,495,969.00
Summary
Substance use and mental disorders are among the leading causes of burden of disease in young people globally. Effective prevention and early intervention can reduce disease burden by halting, interrupting or delaying the onset and development of disorder. The PREMISE CRE will build the science to move the field from crisis, acute care and containment to prevention and early intervention, achieving a critical aim of the Australian Government’s program of reform in mental health and addiction.