Effectiveness Of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy For Preventing Depressive Relapse In Subjects At Very High Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,317.00
Summary
More than one in twenty Australians experience depression in a single year and it is commonly a relapsing disorder. At least 60% of people who have had a depressive episode will have another, the vast majority within two years of the index episode, 70% of those who have had two episodes will have a third, and 90% of those with three episodes will have a fourth. The economic burden of depression in Australia has been estimated as perhaps $2.8 billion annually. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy ....More than one in twenty Australians experience depression in a single year and it is commonly a relapsing disorder. At least 60% of people who have had a depressive episode will have another, the vast majority within two years of the index episode, 70% of those who have had two episodes will have a third, and 90% of those with three episodes will have a fourth. The economic burden of depression in Australia has been estimated as perhaps $2.8 billion annually. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an innovative psychological treatment, combining principles of cognitive therapy and mindfulness meditation. It is designed to prevent depressive relapse in people who have recovered from depressive episodes. MBCT aims to teach people to become more aware of, and to relate differently to, their thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations; in particular, to view these thoughts and feelings as passing events in the mind rather than identifying with them. Through gaining these skills in increased awareness of thoughts and feelings, participants in the treatment learn to avoid negative ruminations, which have a powerful role in triggering relapses of depression. Primarily this study aims to examine the effectiveness of MBCT for the first time in Australians with a history of recurring depression. As a large multi-site investigation it will establish the feasibility of bringing MBCT into routine practice in both urban and rural areas of Australia. The study also aims to establish whether the mechanisms by which MBCT is proposed to work - by decreasing rumination, increasing levels of mindfulness and self-awareness - do in fact operate. We also hope to establish whether MBCT also has any impact on anxiety, another disabling condition that commonly occurs with depression. This study will enhance evidence as to whether the treatment of MBCT should be recommended routinely to sufferers with repeated episodes of major depression.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Pharmacotherapy In Prevention Of Relapse In Alcohol Dependence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$422,310.00
Summary
The physical, psychological and social consequences of alcohol abuse remain a critical health problem. Every year in Australia, excessive consumption is responsible for 3,000-6,000 deaths and costs the community $6 billion. Approximately 15% of Australians abuse alcohol and 5% of men and 3% of women are alcohol dependent (addicted to alcohol). Young men are particularly affected, with 10% of all men aged 18-35 dependent on alcohol. Better treatment for alcohol dependence is urgently needed. Less ....The physical, psychological and social consequences of alcohol abuse remain a critical health problem. Every year in Australia, excessive consumption is responsible for 3,000-6,000 deaths and costs the community $6 billion. Approximately 15% of Australians abuse alcohol and 5% of men and 3% of women are alcohol dependent (addicted to alcohol). Young men are particularly affected, with 10% of all men aged 18-35 dependent on alcohol. Better treatment for alcohol dependence is urgently needed. Less severe forms of alcohol abuse frequently respond to brief screening and intervention programs. Treatment of alcohol dependence remains unsatisfactory. Most treatments lead to abstinence in only 1-3, and approximately 50% of these will relapse within 3 months of completing treatment. Two drugs (naltrexone and acamprosate) appear to interfere with the effects of alcohol on the brain that promote addiction. There is evidence that both drugs are beneficial in the treatment of alcohol dependence and both are now available in Australia. At present, no data have been reported comparing the effectiveness of these two drugs. The proposed project will compare naltrexone and acamprosate in a large carefully performed study. The study will help determine which subjects are likely to benefit from one or other of these agents. Compliance is a major problem with many medications, but is a particular problem with medications for substance abuse. The second aim of this study is to test a novel intervention to increase compliance with medications for alcohol dependent subjects. This intervention comprises 'compliance therapy', which resembles a short training course, a medication alarm, and an assertive reminder program for scheduled medical appointments. The present study will be the first to apply this type of therapy to subjects with alcohol dependence.Read moreRead less
Improving Adherence With The Use Of Hip Protectors, In Community, Residential Aged Care And Hospital Settings
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$405,250.00
Summary
Hip protectors are plastic shields or foam pads worn over the hip in specially adapted underwear. A number of studies in older people have shown that hip protectors are very effective if worn when a fall occurs and these have been available for the last few years in Australia. Unfortunately it has been difficult for older people to wear the hip protectors reliably and because of limited compliance with their use they have not been fully effective. This study will compare provision of a brochure, ....Hip protectors are plastic shields or foam pads worn over the hip in specially adapted underwear. A number of studies in older people have shown that hip protectors are very effective if worn when a fall occurs and these have been available for the last few years in Australia. Unfortunately it has been difficult for older people to wear the hip protectors reliably and because of limited compliance with their use they have not been fully effective. This study will compare provision of a brochure, with supply of the older person's choice of hip protectors , with or without cost, and with or without contact with a nurse who will assist with use of the hip protector. After six months the level of use of the hip protectors will be checked. The new strategies tested in this study may increase compliance with hip protectors to a level where they will be effective if used at home in the community, in residential aged care facilities, and in hospitals.Read moreRead less
Suicide Ideation, Attempts, Help-seeking Behaviour And Compliance Within The Gold Coast District
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$111,320.00
Summary
In response to increasing suicide rates in Australia, and abroad, the Australian Government has embraced a nationally coordinated approach to suicide prevention. The National Suicide Prevention Strategy identifies the need for suicide prevention efforts that are based on research evidence. The Australia Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, in cooperation with the World Health Organisation, is planning to undertake a study to examine suicidal behaviour in the community. Specifically the ....In response to increasing suicide rates in Australia, and abroad, the Australian Government has embraced a nationally coordinated approach to suicide prevention. The National Suicide Prevention Strategy identifies the need for suicide prevention efforts that are based on research evidence. The Australia Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, in cooperation with the World Health Organisation, is planning to undertake a study to examine suicidal behaviour in the community. Specifically the study will focus on two areas: (a) the willingness of people who displaying suicidal behaviour to seek help and reasons why some people do not seek help, and (b) The compliance with medical treatment among people who seek help following an attempted suicide and the reasons why some of these people do not comply with medical advice. 15,000 people who permanently reside in the Gold Coast Health District will be telephoned at random and asked to participate in the study. Eligible people who agree to participate will be mailed a paper questionnaire. The data gathered in the duty will be examined to gain greater insight into what happens to people following the development or suicidal behaviour. Pilot studies have already revealed that 15% of people in the Gold Coast District have thought about suicide at some time in their lives and as many as 5% have attempted suicide. It is hoped that this study will provide valuable information that can help design more effective suicide prevention programs.Read moreRead less