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.
Pubertal Transitions In Mental Health And Behaviour: The PHASE-A Study Of Social Roleand Lifestyle Transitions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,656,785.00
Summary
Over the past four decades problems such as depression, anxiety, self-harm and substance abuse have increased in young people. Recent research indicates that puberty is a time when these problems commonly first emerge. This five-year study of 4000 students will examine a question of whether social transitions that are too soon (e.g. early initiation of sex) or problematic (e.g. bullying from peers) may explain the increase in these health problems as children pass through puberty.
Risk Factors For The Development Of Eating Disorder Phenotypes And Endophenotypes In Adolescent Twins
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$266,500.00
Summary
The overall aim of the project is to develop a better understanding of how environment, temperament and genes work together to cause disordered eating and eating disorders. Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are an extremely difficult and costly condition to treat, and are associated with high mortality. Eating disorders in adolescence lead to increased risk for anxiety disorders, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, depressive disorders, infectious diseases, suicide att ....The overall aim of the project is to develop a better understanding of how environment, temperament and genes work together to cause disordered eating and eating disorders. Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are an extremely difficult and costly condition to treat, and are associated with high mortality. Eating disorders in adolescence lead to increased risk for anxiety disorders, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, depressive disorders, infectious diseases, suicide attempts, and limitation in activities due to poor health in adulthood. Full- and partial-syndrome eating disorders affect around 10% of adolescent girls. Given the seriousness of the consequences of eating disorders, and the large number of Australians affected, a better understanding of what causes the development of eating disorders is required. The current research investigates identical and non-identical adolescent female twins aged 13-15 years. As well as examining their eating, this study will look at the sort of environments and temperaments that may increase genetic susceptibility to develop eating problems. The types of environment to be examined include media influence, weight related peer teasing, parental dieting, and pre- and pernatal complications. Twin temperament will also be examined, including perfectionism, sense of ineffectiveness, body dissatisfaction and depression. Parental anxiety and novelty seeking will also be examined for impact on the development of disordered eating in their children. The twins will be followed up over a 2-year period, the peak risk age for onset of eating problems. By comparing the identical and non-identical twins, we can define the characteristics of those most at risk of developing eating problems. The results of this project can be used to formulate specific prevention strategies.Read moreRead less