Supraspinal Neural Adaptations In The Transition From Acute Injury To Chronic Pain And Disability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,360.00
Summary
Although there have been significant clinical advances in the management of injury and the control of acute pain following tauma, many people still develop disabling conditions of chronic pain. Chronic pain and disability occurs even though the acute signs of trauma have subsided and injuries have healed. People with chronic pain conditions not only experience ongoing changes in sensation (ie., most commonly lowered thresholds for pain, touch evoked pain and spontaneous pain), they also endure a ....Although there have been significant clinical advances in the management of injury and the control of acute pain following tauma, many people still develop disabling conditions of chronic pain. Chronic pain and disability occurs even though the acute signs of trauma have subsided and injuries have healed. People with chronic pain conditions not only experience ongoing changes in sensation (ie., most commonly lowered thresholds for pain, touch evoked pain and spontaneous pain), they also endure a number of disabilities for example disrupted family and social relations, disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, weight changes, loss of sex drive, changes in menstrual cycle, the inability to cope with stressors, and often moderate to severe anxiety and depression. The proposed research aims to (i) identify changes in brain circuits which are responsible for producing these patterns of pain and disability following injury and (ii) attempts to selectively reverse some of these disabilities by reversing the brain changes. The results of this study will offer for the first time a rational basis for improving the outcomes of injury and pain management in the acute phase of trauma, by identifying and reversing the critical changes which predict the advent of the state state of chronic pain and disability.Read moreRead less
The Development Of A Meaning Centred Therapy For Patients With Advanced Cancer - An Intervention Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$137,000.00
Summary
Previous Doctoral work by the applicant illustrated how the compelling force to make sense of life experiences and find significance in existence (two central aspects of meaning) increases the complexity of coping with advanced cancer. While meaning can assist coping by offering a framework, perspective and counterbalance to the challenge of illness, the absence of meaning can also be a precursor to profound despair. This project will use the model of Meaning in Adjustment to Cancer to develop a ....Previous Doctoral work by the applicant illustrated how the compelling force to make sense of life experiences and find significance in existence (two central aspects of meaning) increases the complexity of coping with advanced cancer. While meaning can assist coping by offering a framework, perspective and counterbalance to the challenge of illness, the absence of meaning can also be a precursor to profound despair. This project will use the model of Meaning in Adjustment to Cancer to develop and trial an intervention aimed at enhancing meaning and reducing despair in this population.Read moreRead less
Keeping Kids On Track: An Initiative Developing The Resilience Of Aboriginal Students During A Critical Transition Phase
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,430,435.00
Summary
This initiative aims to build Indigenous children�s capacity to cope with life�s challenges and promote resilience through social and emotional skill development, cognitive development, community engagement and appropriate health provision. This will build children�s capacity as improved educational and employment outcomes accrue in the longer term. A model of the process will be developed. Indigenous researchers and community members will take part in governance and conduct of the study.
Improving Behavioural Treatment For Frequent Headaches By Incorporating A New Approach To Managing Triggers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$499,255.00
Summary
The standard clinical advice is that the best way to prevent headaches is to avoid the triggers, but we have argued that this may lead to decreased tolerance for triggers and therefore more headaches. We have developed an innovative approach to managing triggers which focuses on training people to cope with triggers. The proposed research will evaluate a new treatment for headaches based on integrating our approach to managing triggers into our behavioural treatment program for headaches.
Strengthening Social And Emotional Wellbeing Of Australian Aboriginal People
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$292,639.00
Summary
The primary aim of this project is to strengthen Aboriginal people's wellbeing by understanding the development of their racial identity and related self-esteem and how these mediate mental wellbeing.