An Impirical Investigation Of Psychosis Proneness In Amphetamine Users: Current And Predictive Validity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$462,750.00
Summary
The use of amphetamines has increased in Australia in the last decade. According to the 1998 National Household Survey, lifetime use of amphetamines has increased by over 50% from approximately 6% in 1995 to approximately 9% in 1998; recent use (last 12 months) has increased from 2% in 1995 to approximately 4% in 1998. This increase appears to be even greater in Queensland, the site of the proposed study, which has seen both an overall increase in the use of illicit drugs and an increase in the ....The use of amphetamines has increased in Australia in the last decade. According to the 1998 National Household Survey, lifetime use of amphetamines has increased by over 50% from approximately 6% in 1995 to approximately 9% in 1998; recent use (last 12 months) has increased from 2% in 1995 to approximately 4% in 1998. This increase appears to be even greater in Queensland, the site of the proposed study, which has seen both an overall increase in the use of illicit drugs and an increase in the use of amphetamines specifically. The most recent estimate of the number of current users (use within the last 12months) aged 14 years and over in Queensland is 85.5000. This compares to 17.000 recent heroin users in the same age range. Of particular concern is the increase in the use of methamphetamine, which has high abuse potential producing euphoric effects that are similar to, but longer lasting than, those of cocaine. Also of concern, given the increasing purity and availablity of methamphetamine, is the link between amphetamine use and psychosis, a psychotic disorder characterised by sensory hallucinations, paranoid delusions and a loosening of associations. Despite this well established link, there are surprisingly few studies in which the course and onset of amphetamine psychosis has been studied. In this reseach the relationship between subclinical features of psychosis, measures of psychosis proneness and other factors implicated in the development of schizophrenia will be investigated in a prospective cohort in which amphetamine users will be followed up once per month for twelve months.Read moreRead less
Driving Change: Using Emergency Department Data To Reduce Alcohol-related Harm
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,468,026.00
Summary
The proposed project is a system change within partner emergency departments, providing them the information and tools to act on both risky alcohol consumption in individual patients and the sources of alcohol in the community which cause the harm they experience. Most importantly, the proposed public health interventions act as a tool for emergency departments to regularly raise awareness with the public and policymakers regarding the impact of alcohol on patients, clinicians and hospitals.
The Relationship Between Cannabis Use And Symptoms And Relapse In Psychosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$169,604.00
Summary
Cannabis is increasingly widely used and abused by young people. Use in young people with schizophrenia is even more extensive. There is some suggestion that this drug use is a result of their illness, ie to reduce unpleasant symptoms or feelings. Equally the drug may contribute to their psychosis. This study aims to assess the degree to which psychosis may be caused by cannabis use in vulnerable young people.
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
Ecstasy use is growing faster throughout the world than than any other drug of abuse. United Nations figures from 2003 show that it is used by more individuals than the combined total of cocaine and heroin users. Australia has the highest per capita use of 'Ecstasy' in the world with rates twice those of North Americal and Europe. As a result of this we also have a high rate of adverse effects. These can be immediate, and lead to death, or long term leading to brain damage and psychopathologies. ....Ecstasy use is growing faster throughout the world than than any other drug of abuse. United Nations figures from 2003 show that it is used by more individuals than the combined total of cocaine and heroin users. Australia has the highest per capita use of 'Ecstasy' in the world with rates twice those of North Americal and Europe. As a result of this we also have a high rate of adverse effects. These can be immediate, and lead to death, or long term leading to brain damage and psychopathologies. So far, no studies have been conducted,anywhere in the world, which have objectively examined the medical effects of 'ecstasy' in the dance clubs where it is used. Because of this, there is a lot of speculation on whether the animal based or hospital based studies are valid and relate to normal recreational use of this drug. This has led to a degree of suspicion by users and health professionals as to the medical problems claimed to be associated with the drug. This project extends a pilot study we undertook which has highlighted that in a recreational setting it is likely that specific individuals are susceptible to damage by 'ecstasy'. The purpose of this project is to examine this in detail, and identify who, and why some young persons are at risk of immediate life threatening outcomes from 'ecstasy' use or may develop brain damage later. The intended outcome is to provide clear evidence of adverse effects and why they occur. This evidence may be used to improve harm minimisation and treatment programs.Read moreRead less
I am a neuroscientist, studying fundamental mechanisms related to addiction. A major feature of my research is the neuropharmacological characterisation of potential novel therapeutic strategies to combat drug-seeking behaviour.