Self-help For Depressive Symptoms: Finding Messages Suitable For Population-wide Promotion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$161,807.00
Summary
Members of the community often use self-help methods to reduce symptoms of depression. In some cases, these may be effective, but in others they may do more harm than good (e.g. self-medication with nicotine or alcohol). The project aims to find out which self-help methods are most likely to be helpful and are easy for the community to use. These methods can then be promoted in educational campaigns to improve how people cope with symptoms of depression. If people can take action to reduce milde ....Members of the community often use self-help methods to reduce symptoms of depression. In some cases, these may be effective, but in others they may do more harm than good (e.g. self-medication with nicotine or alcohol). The project aims to find out which self-help methods are most likely to be helpful and are easy for the community to use. These methods can then be promoted in educational campaigns to improve how people cope with symptoms of depression. If people can take action to reduce milder levels of depression, this may prevent them from progressing to develop a clinical disorder that needs professional treatment.Read moreRead less
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
Questions Of Autonomy And Patient Protection In Respect Of Refusals Of Medical Treatment.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$78,492.00
Summary
The aim of the research is to critically evaluate: 1) the right to autonomy in health care, and the parameters of countervailing ethical considerations including the need to protect vulnerable people; and 2) the current legal framework through which these competing ethical considerations above are balanced, including the law of consent to medical treatment and mental health schemes providing for involuntary treatment of patients.