The Development, Assessment And Treatment Of Early Indicators Of Psychopathy In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$271,130.00
Summary
2.7 Significance - Lay description Conduct problems and antisocial behaviour cost Australian society millions of dollars every year directly through the mental health and criminal justice systems, indirectly through their association with substance abuse and other mental health problems, and associated disruptions to health, relationships, and personal and occupational functioning. Remediation is not effective once a chronic pattern has been established. Recently, research has shown that early s ....2.7 Significance - Lay description Conduct problems and antisocial behaviour cost Australian society millions of dollars every year directly through the mental health and criminal justice systems, indirectly through their association with substance abuse and other mental health problems, and associated disruptions to health, relationships, and personal and occupational functioning. Remediation is not effective once a chronic pattern has been established. Recently, research has shown that early signs of psychopathy in children predict chronic antisocial behaviour and lack of responsiveness to traditional treatments. The current research uses a combination of experimental, longitudinal, and treatment outcome studies to examine: the effectiveness with which early signs of a callous-unemotional temperamental style, hypothesised to be an early indicator of psychopathy, can be measured in children, causal factors and correlates of callous-unemotional traits, whether such traits pose a risk for chronic antisocial behaviour, the effects of callous-unemotional traits on responsiveness to traditional family-school based treatments, and the effectiveness of an innovative method for treating it in the early years. The project leads directly to a range of clinical assessment and treatment strategies for children at risk for chronic antisocial behaviour. The project has the potential to substantially improve the effectiveness of current treatment approaches to conduct problems in children that focus on family and school management.Read moreRead less
Role Of Brain Serotonin In Animal Models Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$175,550.00
Summary
There is increasing evidence that deficiencies in the release of a brain chemical called serotonin play an important role in the development of schizophrenia. Post-mortem studies have shown changes in the levels of 'receptors' (keyholes for messenger chemicals in the brain) for serotonin in schizophrenia. In addition, in the treatment of schizophrenia, the more recently introduced 'atypical' antipsychotic drugs are superior to the more traditional 'typical' antipsychotics in terms of efficacy an ....There is increasing evidence that deficiencies in the release of a brain chemical called serotonin play an important role in the development of schizophrenia. Post-mortem studies have shown changes in the levels of 'receptors' (keyholes for messenger chemicals in the brain) for serotonin in schizophrenia. In addition, in the treatment of schizophrenia, the more recently introduced 'atypical' antipsychotic drugs are superior to the more traditional 'typical' antipsychotics in terms of efficacy and side-effect profile. Typical antipsychotic drugs act mainly through blockade of receptors for a brain chemical called dopamine. Atypical drugs appear to have additional actions, in particular blocking the effect of serotonin in the brain. This evidence is mostly circumstancial, relying to a large extent on biochemical analysis of brain regions and 'receptors' on which antipsychotics MAY act. It is currently unclear exactly how and where in the brain changes in serotonin activity influence behavioural processes causing schizophrenia. It is also unclear how and where typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs interact with the role of serotonin in schizophrenia. In this project we intend to inactivate specific parts of the serotonin system of otherwise intact, freely moving rats. Using behavioural observation methods relevant for schizophrenia, we will analyze if and how these interventions influence the behaviour of these rats. The results can have important implications for our fundamental understanding of the involvement of serotonin in the brain in schizophrenia.Read moreRead less
Parenting Style As A Mediator Of Psychosocial Risk Factors And Childhood Externalizing Behaviour Problems
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$113,160.00
Summary
It is imperative that effective interventions be developed and evaluated for children with externalising disorders (e.g. oppositional disorder, attention deficit order and conduct disorder). The prevalence of these problems in the community is high, the prognosis of children is poor, and externalising problems are passed on across successive generations in the same family. Childhood externalising problems are also one of the most costly behavioural disorders for society. Many studies have examin ....It is imperative that effective interventions be developed and evaluated for children with externalising disorders (e.g. oppositional disorder, attention deficit order and conduct disorder). The prevalence of these problems in the community is high, the prognosis of children is poor, and externalising problems are passed on across successive generations in the same family. Childhood externalising problems are also one of the most costly behavioural disorders for society. Many studies have examined the nature and course of externalising problems in older children and adolescents. However, little attention has been paid to the early onset of externalising disorders amongst preschool and early school-age children. Whilst the relationships between family risk factors (e.g. marital discord and maternal depression), parental management styles and children's behaviour problems are widely recognised, the exact nature and direction of these relationships remains largely unknown. This proposal will provide new information about the mechanism through which family risk factors such as marital discord or parental distress influence the onset and persistence of externalising problems in young children, via their effects on parents' behaviour management techniques. This information can then be used to instruct early intervention efforts for parents and families of children at risk of developing externalising behaviour problems.Read moreRead less
Adolescent Depression: Evaluation Of A Preventive Intervention And Identification Of Risk Factors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,313.00
Summary
This project will evaluate the long-term effectiveness of a school-based program to prevent depression among adolescents. It also aims to identify factors that predict the onset of depression in those who do not receive the intervention. The intervention focuses on the training of interpersonal problem solving skills and enhancement of optimistic thinking styles within a classroom-based curriculum. This project extends the current research program of the applicant. The intervention has already b ....This project will evaluate the long-term effectiveness of a school-based program to prevent depression among adolescents. It also aims to identify factors that predict the onset of depression in those who do not receive the intervention. The intervention focuses on the training of interpersonal problem solving skills and enhancement of optimistic thinking styles within a classroom-based curriculum. This project extends the current research program of the applicant. The intervention has already been developed and implemented with 1600 young people, with the support of local education authorities. The evaluation uses well-researched measures and includes a control group of adolescents who do not receive the intervention. Around 5% of adolescents experience clinical levels of depression and an even larger percentage show subclinical levels. Depression results in many debilitating consequences such as impaired school, work and social functioning and is also a risk factor in adolescent suicide. The prevention of mental health problems is a priority for Commonwealth and State governments and yet there is minimal research to demonstrate the effectiveness of preventive interventions, particularly in the area of depression. If the present study demonstrates a positive outcome, it will provide important guidelines as to preventive materials that should be included in the school curriculum. It is predicted that: a) the intervention will be associated with lower levels of depression over the 4 year follow-up, particularly for adolescents who are assessed as showing mild symptoms of depression, poor problem solving skills or pessimistic cognitive style prior to intervention b) risk factors for the development of depression in adolescents who do not receive the intervention will include initial mild symptoms of depression, poor problem solving skills and pessimistic attributional style.Read moreRead less
A Controlled Trial Of An Opportunistic Intervention To Reduce Suicide Risk Among Alcohol And Other Substance Misusers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$361,000.00
Summary
Hopelessness, depression and suicidal ideation are common among people who misuse alcohol and other substances. A general relationship between alcohol-substance abuse and self-harming - suicidal behaviour has been recognised for decades. From the point of view of diagnosed substance abusers there is a correspondingly high incidence of suicide and self-harm. The lifetime risk for suicide in alcohol dependence is higher than for schizophrenia or affective disorder. Despite the public health and pe ....Hopelessness, depression and suicidal ideation are common among people who misuse alcohol and other substances. A general relationship between alcohol-substance abuse and self-harming - suicidal behaviour has been recognised for decades. From the point of view of diagnosed substance abusers there is a correspondingly high incidence of suicide and self-harm. The lifetime risk for suicide in alcohol dependence is higher than for schizophrenia or affective disorder. Despite the public health and personal burden associated with suicidality, the general lack of skills and focus on management of self-harm in specialised drug and alcohol services is of great concern. In this study, all patients attending drug and alcohol services will be screened for suicide risk, and offered a comprehensive psychological treatment to reduce suicide risk and the use of alcohol and other substances.Read moreRead less
Enhancing Treatment Effectiveness In Acute Stress Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$235,330.00
Summary
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most common psychiatric condition to develop after trauma. Early intervention of PTSD following a trauma is indicated because chronic PTSD can be resistant to treatment. Early intervention is possible because acute stress disorder immediately after a trauma identifies those people who will develop chronic PTSD. Although cognitive behaviour therapy of acute stress disorder can effectively prevent PTSD in many cases, many people do not benefit from this ....Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most common psychiatric condition to develop after trauma. Early intervention of PTSD following a trauma is indicated because chronic PTSD can be resistant to treatment. Early intervention is possible because acute stress disorder immediately after a trauma identifies those people who will develop chronic PTSD. Although cognitive behaviour therapy of acute stress disorder can effectively prevent PTSD in many cases, many people do not benefit from this treatment because this treatment involves exposure to distressing memories and emotions, and this contributes to many people dropping out of treatment. This project aims to extend the utility of early intervention following trauma by assessing approaches that can be used by most trauma survivors. The project compares early intervention with either exposure, cognitive therapy, combined exposure and cognitive therapy, or supportive counseling. All therapy will be conducted in the initial four weeks and will comprise 6 sessions. Assessments will be conducted posttreatment, six-months follow-up, and one-year follow-up. The outcomes of this project will have significant public health benefits because they will lead to increased treatment effectiveness for acutely traumatized people, and will markedly reduce the incidence of PTSD in the community.Read moreRead less
The Neurochemical Basis Of Behavioural Control: Relevance For Addiction, OCD And Tourette Syndrome.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,225.00
Summary
Both the control of voluntry responses over reflexive habits, and the ability to direct voluntary responses appropriately when there are conflicting choices present in the world, are thought to be important in mental disorders such as drug addiction, tic disorders such as Tourette syndrome and obsessive compulsive disorder. This project will examine the brain neurochemistry that underpins our ability to control voluntary responses, providing insight into potential pharmacological interventions.
Early Intervention For Anxiety And Phobic Disorders In Young Children With Intellectual Disability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$305,674.00
Summary
Children with intellectual disability (ID) are 2-3 times more likely to have behavioural and emotional disturbance, including anxiety and fears, than children of normal intellectual ability. Anxiety problems are a source of distress for the child, impair their ability to learn and are a cause of family burden and community cost. Therefore, effective interventions are urgently required. Research with non-disabled children has demonstrated the effectiveness of teaching parents to manage their chil ....Children with intellectual disability (ID) are 2-3 times more likely to have behavioural and emotional disturbance, including anxiety and fears, than children of normal intellectual ability. Anxiety problems are a source of distress for the child, impair their ability to learn and are a cause of family burden and community cost. Therefore, effective interventions are urgently required. Research with non-disabled children has demonstrated the effectiveness of teaching parents to manage their child's anxiety, however the effectiveness of this approach in children with ID has not yet been established. This project aims to compare the relative effectiveness of two intervention conditions compared to a waiting list group, for highly anxious children aged 4-7 years with ID. One intervention will teach parents to help their child deal with anxiety problems, and develop skills to overcome their own associated emotional upset and family and social problems. The other intervention will provide non-directive counselling and support to help the parents understand the nature and causes of ID, associated anxiety problems in the child, and parent and family stress. The long term outcome of these two interventions will be assessed by following the children and their families for two years. A manual of each treatment is produced. This project aims to provide evidence for a relatively inexpensive, feasible and effective early intervention program for young children with ID at risk for developing anxiety problems that can be easily taught to professionals and is acceptable to parents. Widespread use of this intervention has the potential to reduce the added burden and cost to families and the community of persistent severe anxiety in young people with ID.Read moreRead less
Healthy Lifestyle Intervention For Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Among People With Psychotic Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$800,806.00
Summary
This study proposes a multi-site randomised controlled trial of treatment to enhance healthy living among people with psychotic disorders, specifically targeting smoking, diet, and physical activity. These issues are highly prevalent, associated with premature death and reduced quality of life among this group. The results will better inform the treatment choices of clinicians, and will potentially improve the match between treatment and client, improving health and wellbeing of this group.
Prevention Of Anxiety And Depression In Children - Development And Evaluation Of A Universal Lifeskills Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$274,094.00
Summary
The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a universal school-based mental health promotion program aimed at preventing anxiety and depression in upper primary school students. The program will build on validated methods of increasing resilience and optimism in young people (Jaycox et al., 1994; Clarke et al., 1995; Dadds et al., 1997; Roberts et al., 1998, Shochet et al., 1998). No other prevention programs have addressed both anxiety and depression, nor have they integrated their pro ....The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a universal school-based mental health promotion program aimed at preventing anxiety and depression in upper primary school students. The program will build on validated methods of increasing resilience and optimism in young people (Jaycox et al., 1994; Clarke et al., 1995; Dadds et al., 1997; Roberts et al., 1998, Shochet et al., 1998). No other prevention programs have addressed both anxiety and depression, nor have they integrated their programs into the school curriculum. The universal Aussie Optimism Program will teach optimistic thinking styles and positive self-talk, self-efficacy, coping strategies and social problem solving to children preparing for their transition to high school. It will be designed in modular format to fit with Australian primary school terms and the K-10 Health and Physical Education curriculum. It is designed to be implemented by teachers, plus a family module will be developed to be used as an adjunct to the classroom program. The program is targeted at a developmental stage just prior to the increase in depression symptomatology in early adolescence. The program has the potential to promote the mental health of children on a larger scale than previous programs, to reduce the incidence of anxiety and depression in young people and to increase their resilience to life's stresses.Read moreRead less