An Investigation Of The Aetiology Of Eating Disorders: Interactions Between Genes And Environmental Risk Factors.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$225,000.00
Summary
Eating disorders, along with substance abuse, carry the highest risk of premature death, from both natural and unnatural causes, out of 27 mental disorder categories. Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, affect about 6% of Australian women. Despite increased levels of research into the aetiology of eating disorders over the last 20 years, little knowledge exists as to which risk factors cause women to attempt weight loss to the point of increa ....Eating disorders, along with substance abuse, carry the highest risk of premature death, from both natural and unnatural causes, out of 27 mental disorder categories. Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, affect about 6% of Australian women. Despite increased levels of research into the aetiology of eating disorders over the last 20 years, little knowledge exists as to which risk factors cause women to attempt weight loss to the point of increasing their risk of premature mortality. A review of twin studies in eating disorders concludes that there is increasing evidence to suggest that genetic factors play a role in the development of eating disorders. In addition, a recent series of studies, examining risk factors before the age of eating disorder onset, have found the following events to specifically predict the development of an eating disorder as opposed to another psychiatric condition: negative self-evaluation, parental alcoholism, low parental contact and high parental expectations, critical comments about weight, shape or eating during childhood, and childhood obesity. To date, no studies have attempted to integrate the findings from twin studies with the findings from early risk factor studies. Specifically, the ways in which genes interact with the environment to increase the chances of genetic vulnerability to an eating disorder being expressed have not been examined. The proposed project seeks to investigate precisely these interactions between genes and the environment, by examining a large number of female twins, aged 29-37. An enhanced understanding of how genes interact with the environment to either increase the chances that a woman will develop an eating disorder, or alternatively to protect a woman from developing an eating disorder, will benefit our understanding of how to target prevention and treatment strategies.Read moreRead less
A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Three Treatments For Anorexia Nervosa In Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$606,447.00
Summary
This study will be the first to evaluate three promising new treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN) and anorexic type eating disorders in adults. The first treatment is a new therapy called Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. The second treatment, the Maudsley Cognitive Motivational Therapy, was designed specifically to treat AN and the third treatment is called non-specific supportive clinical management. The study will be in the form of a multi-centre randomised treatment trial.
Eating Disorder Prevention In Young-adult Women At Risk: A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Two Online Programs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$264,434.00
Summary
Disordered eating is experienced by 23% of young Australian women leading to a range of serious consequences. An online nation-wide study will evaluate the effectiveness of two promising prevention programs with women at high-risk of developing an eating disorder. This research will identify which program is of most benefit and inform whether that program can reduce the need for participants to access mental and physical health services.
Glutamate - Adenosine Interactions And Drug-seeking
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$558,046.00
Summary
Substance abuse is a significant social and economic burdern upon Australian societies and on societies around the world. Treatment remains problematic due to the multi-layer nature of the disease, difficulties with treatment compliance and less than ideal treatment regimes. The present study aims to improve treatments for alcohol and drug abuse using a polypharmacy or multiple therapy approach, using pre-clinical models to determine the utility of this approach.
Preventing Obesity And Promoting Healthy Body Image In Australian Secondary Schools: A Web-based System Tailored To Individual Needs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,320,398.00
Summary
This study will test an individually tailored body image and weight management program. The program is delivered online to students in early secondary school and builds on our partnership with Stanford University adapting internet programs for use in Australia. Staying Fit Australia gives individual guidance about concerns and attitudes to weight and shape, nutrition and physical activity. The program aims to prevent obesity and promote healthy nutrition and physical activity in all adolescents.
A Randomised Controlled Trial To Examine The Effectiveness Of Oxytocin To Improve Treatment For Anorexia Nervosa
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,854.00
Summary
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a major public health problem. Nutritional rehabilitation programs exist but can be costly and protracted, and patients struggle to engage with these demanding therapies. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of oxytocin nasal spray to improve outcomes in patients with AN participating in a nutritional rehabilitation program using a randomized placebo-controlled design. If shown to be effective, this will have national and international significance.
Neurobiological Causes Of Overeating In A Rodent Model - Hedonic Versus Homeostatic Control
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,215.00
Summary
Unlimited access to palatable high fat foods, in conjunction with a sedentary life style, has led to increased obesity. Exactly what mechanisms drive over consumption of energy rich foods and override mechanisms that normally regulate body weight? This project will examine feeding behaviour in rats fed palatable high fat diet, to examine when and how they eat. The contribution of brain chemicals implicated in addiction to this eating, and the impact of withdrawal of food will be examined.
Taking A LEAP Forward In The Treatment Of Anorexia Nervosa: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$578,818.00
Summary
Extreme levels of exercise to reduce weight and improve mood are common in people with anorexia nevosa and are associated with poorer outcomes. Our study aims to test a novel therapy help people reduce their use of exercise andfind healthier and safer ways of managing weight and low mood. The therapy will be compared with a widely used control therapy - that however has only limited efficacy. We hope the exercise therapy will result in improved outcomes for this debilitating illness.