Call for Research Participants
Below is a list of research projects currently being conducted in the areas of depression, anxiety and related substance misuse disorders in Australia. If you are interested in participating in a project, please contact the relevant person.
If you are a researcher and would like to add your project to the Notice board, email your name, contact organisation, the title of your project, a brief description of your project (no more than 5 lines), a description of the participants you require and a removal date for the message from the Noticeboard to research@beyondblue.org.au. Students are also required to provide the name and qualifications of their supervisor. Research projects are required to have ethics clearance.
beyondblue presents this Notice board for information only. beyondblue does not seek to endorse the research projects listed, nor do we verify the accuracy of the information posted on the Notice board.
On this page:
Invitation to participate - Internet-based anxiety and depression programs
Clinicians and researchers at St Vincent's Hospital and UNSW are now evaluating new Internet education and treatment programs for anxiety and depression. These programs are free, and are designed to help people understand their symptoms and how to start to get control over those symptoms.
People with anxiety or depression are invited to read more about the programs at www.virtualclinic.org.au and, if interested, to make an application to participate. The researchers are currently recruiting people with generalised anxiety disorder and will soon be recruiting people with panic disorder, depression, and social phobia. If you would be interested to participate, please visit their website for more information.
Developmental, self and cognitive-affective aspects of disordered eating, obsessive-compulsive and generalised anxiety behaviours
Researchers: Angelique Brown, Stella Chaviaras, Shary Tan
Details: This study is concerned with the developmental, self and cognitive factors associated with disordered eating, generalised anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. As a research participant, you will be required to complete a number of questionnaires in your own time on the internet by following this link: http://opinio.online.swin.edu.au/s?s=5758
Participation time is approximately 70 mins (max 90 mins). You have the option to save your responses and continue at another time, maintaining full confidentiality. The questions refer to self-beliefs, memory, child and adult relationships, eating behaviours, obsessive-compulsive and generalised anxiety thoughts and symptoms. There are no right or wrong answers.
Contact: If you have any concerns, please contact: angeliquebrown@groupwise.swin.edu.au.
Smile: Tai Chi practice, depression and cardiovascular disease
Researcher: Dr Liu Xin
Organisation: University of Queensland
Details: This project, funded by beyondblue and The National Heart Foundation, aims to explore whether regular Tai Chi practice improves depression and metabolic syndrome for depressed adults at risk of developing Cardiovascular disease.
Participants required: If you:
- Are between 18 - 80 years
- Have depression
- Have central obesity: waist of more than 94 cm (men), more than 80 cm (women) or Body Mass Index of more than 30
- Live in the Brisbane area
And you are able to:
- Attend the special Tai Chi sessions 3 times per week for 6 months (no cost) and
- Attend regular health check-ups
- you are invited to be a participant in this important research project.
Contact: See this flyer or call (07) 3240 6426 or (07) 3240 2051.
Health promotion and pre-diabetes
Researcher: Lynne Gibbs, Masters of Psychology, University of Ballarat
Details: The researchers are interested in investigating if health promoting information can improve mood and increase healthy behaviours in those at risk of type II diabetes. You will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires that will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Target participants: Over the age of 18, currently do not have diabetes and have a waist measurement greater than 94cm (for men) or 80cm (for women).
Contact: To participate or for more information please email Lynne Gibbs on lynnegibbs@students.ballarat.edu.au or phone Dr Mirella Di Benedetto on 03 53279744.
International Study to Predict Optimised Treatment - in Depression (iSPOT-D) (Melbourne)
Researchers: Professor Paul Fitzgerald (Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc) and Professor Con Stough (Swinburne University of Technology's Brain Sciences Institute)
Details: We invite males and females aged 18-65 who believe they are experiencing depression, or who have been diagnosed with depression to take part in a research study. The aim of the study is to try to identify physical and psychological factors that may predict treatment response to different antidepressant medications.
Participation: Participation will involve several hours of testing over two sessions, as well as additional phone and internet follow-up sessions. You will be asked to provide a blood sample, to answer questions and to perform various tasks (eg. memory recall) while your brain activity is measured. Participants will be compensated for their time.
Contact: For more information please contact Tegan Podubinski - Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (03) 9076 6589 or Amy Gibbs - Swinburne University of Technology's Brain Sciences Institute (03) 9214 8229. Or visit www.amidepressed.org.au.
Nepean Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Study
Researchers: Dr Vlasios Brakoulias, Associate Professor Vladan Starcevic, David Berle, Denise Milicevic, Karen Moses, Anthony Hannan, Peter Sammut, Pauline Fenech
Organisation: Department of Psychological Medicine, Sydney Medical School, Nepean Hospital, University of Sydney. Nepean Anxiety Disorders Clinic, Nepean Hospital
Purpose of Research Project: To clarify the diagnosis and classification of obsessive-compulsive disorder. For example, how is a patient with contamination symptoms different to a patient who checks or hoards?
Details: Anyone over the age of 18 who has OCD as their main problem is welcome to enter the study. The study is assessment based so there are no blood tests or scans involved. Participants are asked to attend a 2 hour assessment interview by a psychiatrist and/or psychologist. They are also asked to complete a series of questionnaires that take approximately one hour to complete. They are then asked to return if they want to be reassessed at 6 months, 12 months and 2 years. Previous participants have valued the experience as they have gained a better understanding of their disorder. The follow up assessments can provide valuable feedback regarding progress.
Contact: If you are interested or would like more information, please call us on (02) 4734 2585. You may also e-mail: vlasios.brakoulias@swahs.health.nsw.gov.au or find us at: http://www.nepean.med.usyd.edu.au/research/psych.php.
Bipolar Kids and Sibs Study
Researchers: Professor Philip Mitchell, Dusan Hadzi-Pavlovic, Professor Florence Levy, Justine Corry, Dr Melissa Green, Professor Peter Schofield and Dr Gloria Roberts
Organisations: School of Psychiatry, UNSW, The Black Dog Institute and the Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute (POWMRI)
Details: The study aims to pinpoint the causes of bipolar disorder, by looking at all the factors that may contribute to the illness, including DNA, brain imaging and psychological testing. For those at a higher risk of developing the disorder (by having a first-degree relative with the disorder) the study aims to identify what factors make an at-risk individual more or less likely to develop bipolar disorder in their lifetime. Participation in the study involves completion of questionnaires and a mood interview, donation of blood sample for genetic analysis, completion of some computer tasks, a brain scan and a saliva sample. In addition, the study involves yearly follow-up interviews and questionnaires over the next 5 years.
Participants: We require people aged between 12 and 30 years old, who have a first degree relative (ie, parent or sibling) diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The participants must not have bipolar themselves.
Contact: Dr Gloria Roberts, phone 1800 352 292 or email - bipolar-kidsandsibs@unsw.edu.au
www.amidepressed.org.au - iSPOT-D Depression Research Sydney
Researchers: Dr. Anthony Harris (Psychiatrist and Principle Investigator), Professor Tim Usherwood (Department of General Practice, Sydney Medical School-Western), and Professor Lea Williams (Director, Brain Dynamics Centre).
Details: Are you depressed, aged 18-65yrs and considering starting antidepressant medication? The Brain Dynamics Centre (Westmead Hospital), are providing off and on medication reports (including depression severity, symptoms and cognition) to give you and your GP feedback on whether a medication is working for you. These reports are part of the iSPOT-D research that is looking at optimising treatment response for antidepressant medication. Participants will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses. Help make a difference.
Contact: Call 1800 645 070 or email ispot-d@brain-dynamics.net or visit www.amidepressed.org.au.
Living Well Feeling Well - An online program to improve your wellbeing
Researchers: Assoc/Prof Britt Klein, Dr Jo Abbott, Mr David Shields
Organisation: eTherapy Unit, Faculty of Life and Social Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology
Details: Swinburne University is currently running a research trial to test the effectiveness of Living Well Feeling Well (LWFW), an internet-based program designed to teach you skills to improve mental and physical wellbeing and help you cope with challenging situations. Participation will involve approximately 4 hours spread over a 3-month period to complete a number of internet-based surveys and the 3-week interactive LWFW program.
Participants: The research trial is open to adults 18 years or older, who have access to the internet. For more information, or to register, go to Living Well Feeling Well, http://www.swinburne.edu.au/lss/swinpsyche/etherapy/programs/wellbeing/
A Trial of Psychological Treatments for Youth Depression, Anxiety or Substance Abuse: Comparing Family Therapy with One-to-One Youth Therapy
Researchers: Associate Professor Andrew Lewis (Chief Investigator), Professor John Toumbourou, Associate Professor Lina Ricciardelli, Dr Tess Knight, Dr Melanie Bertino, Gabrielle Connell, Olivia Morrow, Jenni Shanahan, Catherine Bull, Sophie McIntosh
Organisation: Deakin University (Geelong) and Drummond Street Relationships Centre (Carlton, Melbourne)
Details: The Deakin Family Options program offers free, 12-week psychological treatments to eligible youth and/or their families in Geelong and Melbourne. There are two types of psychological treatments on offer. One is a program for the parents/families of depressed/anxious/substance abusing youth. The other is one-to-one counselling with the youth and a trained youth counsellor. We are evaluating the therapies as part of this trial, therefore all participants will be asked to complete assessments at the start, end and 6 months after treatment.
Participants required: Youth aged between 12 and 26 years old, and/or their parents, to take part in a 12 week program targeting youth depression, anxiety or substance abuse.
Contact details: Phone Melanie or Catherine (Deakin University) on 03 5227 8415, or Gabrielle Connell or Olivia Morrow on 9663 6733 (Drummond Street Relationships Centre). Or visit www.deakin.edu.au/hmnbs/psychology/research/dfo.
The diagnosis, biomarker identification and measurement of drug efficacy for neurological and mental disorders
Researcher: Mr Brian Lithgow
Organisation: Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc), Monash University School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine and The Alfred Hospital.
Details: The purpose of this project is to compare brain activity using a new recording and data analysis technique called electrovestibulography (EVestG). This study is using EVestG to measure neural responses from ear canals to determine whether this technique can help provide diagnostic information about different patient populations. This study will also explore whether this technique is helpful in monitoring changes in medication levels. Participation involves up to two sessions, lasting a total of 3 to 4 hours and is completely confidential.
Participants required: Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 75 and have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Major Depression, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, vertigo (central or peripheral) or Meniere's disease or have no medical condition.
Contact: If you would like more information or are interested in participating, please contact Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre on (03) 90766907, or email La.Hunt@alfred.org.au
HeaD-ON (Headaches and Depression - Overcome Now)
Researchers: Professor Paul Martin, Professor Graham Meadows, Professor David Reutens, Professor Leon Piterman, Mr Martin Sharman, Dr Lillian Nejud (Monash University and Southern Health)
Organisation: School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University
Details: The treatment program is an integration of the best available psychological treatment techniques for headaches and depression. If eligible, individuals will be allocated to the Treatment or Control (waitlist) condition. Treatment is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy delivered by a clinical psychologist in private practice. Participants in the control condition will be offered treatment if study criteria are met after 12 weeks. *Please note this includes the Melbourne Metropolitan area only. Participants are provided with a small gratuity for the assessment interviews.
Participants required: Participants must be over 18 years and currently experiencing a depressive episode. Headaches of a frequency of 6 headache days per month per month for 12 months.
Contact: If you or someone you know are interested in participating or would like to know more please call Dr Kathryn Gilson, Research Manager, on 9594 1483, or kathryn.gilson@med.monash.edu.au. You can also leave a message with our administrative staff, Maria Lawlor on 9594 1465.
The Relationship between Childhood Maltreatment and Current Symptoms of Mental Illness in Women
Researchers: Adeline Lee (Psychologist, DPsychClin Candidate). Supervisors: Professor Jayashri Kulkarni (MMBS MPM PhD FRANZP), Associate Professor Jan Coles (MMBS DipChild Health GCHPE PhD) and Dr. Stuart Lee (DPsych ClinNeuro)
Organisation: Monash-Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre
Details: The Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre is conducting a study looking at the relationship between childhood maltreatment experiences and current symptoms of mental illness in women. Participation may take between 1-2 hours and involves completing questionnaires asking about: experience/(s) of child maltreatment, current mental health and prior health service use. Participants may choose to complete the questionnaires at the Monash-Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (Alfred Hospital), the hospital or clinic which they currently access for support OR via an interview over the phone. Participants will be reimbursed $20 for travel costs.
Participants required: We are seeking women participants above the ages of 18 years who experienced some form of maltreatment (e.g., emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect or witnessing violence in the home) before the age of 18 years, with or without a current mental illness.
Contact: If you are interested in participating or would like more information on this study, please contact the study coordinator, Ms. Adeline Lee on 0457 070 275 or via email: Adeline.Lee@med.monash.edu.au.
Evaluation of an Internet-Based Treatment for Comorbidity of Alcohol Disorders and Depressive Mood
Researchers: A/Prof Britt Klein and Prof David Kavanagh
Summary: The trial involves participants being randomly assigned to one of three treatment arms. All groups will receive at minimum, psychoeducation and a module on motivation enhancement, and will receive contact and follow up with our psychologists for up to one year after the study has finished.
Participants: We're looking for participants who are: (1) over 18 years old, (2) are currently drinking more than 14 standard drinks per week and (3) have reliable access to the internet. If they are not eligible for the research project after completing the assessment screening (online and over the phone) they will be provided with alternative referral options. Anyone interested please visit the website: www.ontrack.org.au.
Beating The Blues Before Birth - Evaluating an Antenatal Depression Treatment Program: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Researcher: Professor Jeannette Milgrom
Organisation: Parent-Infant Research Institute, Austin Health
Details: The Parent-Infant Research Institute is conducting a study to evaluate a new treatment program for women experiencing Antenatal Depression. If you are pregnant and feel you are struggling to cope or experiencing depression, this program may be of benefit to you. Each participant receives an assessment with a psychologist to discuss treatment options and to link you in with support services. Half of the women who participate will also receive 8 free sessions of individual cognitive-behavioural therapy. This project has been approved by Austin Health Human Research Ethics Committee.
Participants required: 100 pregnant women who are experiencing symptoms of depression are required to participate. Women must be over 18 years of age and less than 30 weeks pregnant.
Contact: For more information, visit: www.piri.org.au or contact Dr Charlene Schembri, Project Manager, on 9496 4496 or charlene.schembri@austin.org.au.
Mood Memos - emails to improve your mood
Researchers: Amy Morgan (PhD candidate). Supervisors: Prof Tony Jorm (PhD, DSc), Prof Andrew Mackinnon (PhD)
Organisation: Orygen Youth Health, University of Melbourne
Details: The study is exploring whether regular emails with information and advice about depression is helpful for people with mild symptoms of depression. You will receive 12 emails over 6 weeks and will need to complete a number of internet-based surveys. The study has ethics approval and participation is anonymous. To see if you are eligible or for more information visit www.moodmemos.com
Participants: The study is open to adults who are 18 years or older, have mild depression symptoms, access to the internet, and are not currently in treatment for depression.
Study weblink: http://www.moodmemos.com
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, Personality, Thoughts and Emotions
Researcher/s: Jodie Thomas & Dr Helen Mildred (Prinicipal Supervisor)
Contact Organisation: Deakin University
Study weblink: http://tinyurl.com/kt7hwp
Brief Description: The study investigates potential relationships between personality, thoughts, feelings and non-suicidal self-injury behaviour including people with depression and anxiety disorders.
Participants: We are seeking people over 18 years to complete an online questionnaire that takes approximately 25 minutes to complete. Participation is strictly confidential and purely voluntary.
The relationship between positive mastery recollections and hopelessness in older adults
Researcher: Dr Sunil Bhar
Organisation: Swinburne University of Technology
Details: This project aims to explore whether reminiscing about the past can be helpful in reducing hopelessness in adults who are 60 years or older. Participants will be randomly assigned (by a flip of a coin) to one of two possible conditions: (1) Reminiscence or (2) Control. If you are assigned to the reminiscence condition, you will be invited to reflect about past experiences where you were able to successfully solve problems. If you are assigned to the control condition, you will not be invited to do this. Participation is completely voluntary and participants' can exit the study at any time. Participants are reimbursed up to $50 for their time.
Participants required: Participants must be at least 60 years old, speak English and have negative feelings about the future.
Contact: If you would like more information or are interested in participating please contact Ms Ligia Yap on (03) 9214 5355 or email lyap@swin.edu.au or contact Dr Sunil Bhar on (03) 9214 8371 or email sbhar@swin.edu.au.
Invitation to contribute to Mental Health Wiki (www.mentalhealthwiki.org)
Researchers: Prof Tony Jorm, Dr Nicki Reavley, Amy Morgan, David Jorm.
Organisations: Orygen Youth Health Research Centre (University of Melbourne) and Sura Systems.
Details: Mental Health Wiki is a guide to mental health problems. It aims to provide high quality and up-to-date information by allowing contributors to edit and improve each other's material and incorporates material from professional journals, textbooks and websites run by government organisations. It is part of a research project running over a 2-year period.
Contributors: We invite contributions from health professionals, academic researchers, consumer carers or advocates and health service administrators. Go to www.mentalhealthwiki.org for more information.
Living with Depression - Examining Coping with Depression in Persons with Depression and their Significant Others
Researchers: Dr. Christina Samios
Organisation: Bond University
Details: This study aims to explore how people with depression and their significant others cope with depression. By taking this interpersonal context into account, new strategies can be developed to help individuals with depression and their significant others cope. Participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire which is to be returned in a reply-paid envelope.
Participants required: Pairs of participants are required for this research, where one has been diagnosed with unipolar depression (and is currently depressed) and the other is a family member or close friend who provides support to the person with depression. Participants of all ages can complete the study, but those under the age of 18 will require parental consent.
Contact details: If you are interested in taking part in this research, please contact Dr Christina Samios on (07) 5595 2665 or at psychology_research@bond.edu.au.
TMS: a non-medication treatment for depression following head injury
Researchers: Professor Paul Fitzgerald
Organisation: Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, and the Alfred Hospital
Details: Depression is very common in people who have experienced a head injury. The Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc) at the Alfred Hospital is accepting volunteers into a clinical trial of an investigational, non-medication treatment for depression following head injury. Participants will receive daily outpatient treatment with a non-invasive magnetic device, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, (TMS) over a number of weeks. Participation is completely confidential.
Participants Required: Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 70, have a diagnosis of Major Depression, be currently depressed, and be at least 6 weeks post head injury.
Contact: If you would like more information or are interested in participating please contact Susan McQueen, Sally Herring or Amy Peachey on (03) 9076 6595, email s.herring@alfred.org.au or see www.maprc.org.au.
Depression in men during pregnancy and in the postpartum period
Researchers: Dr Helen Skouter, Prof. Jeanette Milgrom (PhD), Kim Yiong Wee (Alvin)
Organisations: Deakin University
Details: The aim of this research is to identify factors that might predict men's antenatal and postnatal depression. Anxiety, stress and depression will be examined in men during the entire pregnancy and the first year postpartum. Data will be collected from 250 men and 250 women concurrently and prospectively at regular intervals through pregnancy and postpartum (18, 25, 33 weeks gestation and 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months and 12 months postpartum) so as to examine if risk factors in women is related or will affect men.
Participants required: Men and their pregnant partners.
Contact: Kim Yiong Wee (Alvin) kywe@deakin.edu.au.
Elucidating the Neurobiological Underpinnings of Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder
Researchers: Racheal Degabriele, BSc (Hons), PhD Candidate / Jim Lagopoulos, Associate Professor of Neuroimaging in Psychiatry at the University of Sydney.
Organisations: The CADE Clinic and the University of Sydney
Details: This is an EEG study, allowing us to detect the brain's electrical activity ("brain waves") by placing an electrode-filled cap on the subjects head whilst they complete tasks by looking at a screen and listening to sounds. This is a non-invasive test, involving no needles or drugs. Through our study we hope to learn more about the biology of different psychiatric disorders, which will hopefully lead to earlier diagnosis in the future and therefore earlier treatment. The test takes between 1.5 and 2 hours and we offer $30 compensation for your time. We very much appreciate your contribution to our study.
Participants required: People who have been diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder.
Contact: Racheal Degabriele rdegabriele@med.usyd.edu.au.
Investigating the relationship between cannabis use and anxiety
Researchers: Matthew Driver, Supervisor: Dr. Liz Temple (BA, MSc(Hons), PhD)
Organisations: University of New England
Details: The aim of this study is to investigate the contrasting effects that cannabis use has on anxiety. Participants are required to complete an online survey which takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. The survey can be accessed via this link: http://unebcss.qualtrics.com/SE?SID=SV_0DrbYgUDN2MWj2Y&SVID=
Participants required: Aged 18 or over. It is not important whether you have tried cannabis
Contact: If you would like any more information please contact Matthew Driver - mdriver2@une.edu.au
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Depression
Researchers: Sarah Basile, Dr. Keong Yap
Organisations: RMIT University
Details: This study is investigating the experiences of individuals with obsessive and compulsive symptoms. It will be examining the processes involved in the presence of depression in the context of OCD. Participants will be required to complete an online questionnaire taking around 30 minutes.
Participants required: Individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with and without symptoms of depression - 18 years and over
Contact: If you are interested in participating or would like more information please go to the website www.rmit.edu.au/psychology/OCDandDepression
Mindfulness Online - An online program to improve your physical and mental well being
Researchers: Assoc/Prof Britt Klein, Mr Anthony Carlsson, Mr David Shields
Organisations: eTherapy Unit, Faculty of Life and Social Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology
Details: Swinburne University is currently undertaking research to identify which people use Mindfulness Online, an internet-based program designed to teach you skills to improve your mental and physical wellbeing. These skills are designed to change the way you approach, think and feel about challenging and difficult situations. Participation will involves approximately 4 hours spread over a 7-week period to complete a number of internet-based surveys and the 3-week interactive program.
Participants required: The research trial is open to adults 18 years or older, who have access to the internet.
Contact: For more information, or to register, go to Mindfulness Online, http://www.swinburne.edu.au/lss/swinpsyche/etherapy/programs/mindfulness/
Personal Memories and Depression
Researchers: Ms Jessica Belcher & Dr. Maria Kangas.
Organisations: Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney.
Details: This study aims to examine the way people experiencing depressive symptoms remember past events and imagine the future. There are 2 stages to this study. The first stage will involve an interview that will take about 15 - 20minutes. The second stage will involve a 1 1/2 hour interview. If you take part in both stages of the study you will be reimbursed $30 for your time.
Participants required: People who are a) currently feeling depressed, b) between 18 - 65 years old, c) live in the Sydney metropolitan area.
Contact: Please contact Jessica Belcher via email: jessica.belcher@mq.edu.au, or phone: 9850 1807 if you are interested in taking part in this study or would like more information.
Type II Diabetes: A comparison of coping resources in a depressed and non-depressed sample
Researchers: Celia Mandeno, RMIT, School of Health Science, Mirella Di Bendetto, Ph.D., registered psychologist, RMIT University
Organisation: RMIT University School of Health Science.
Details: The aim of this research is to look at the differences in coping and lifestyle factors between Type II Diabetics with depression and those without depression to determine any differences between the two groups. This research will assist in the understanding of depressive symptoms in people with Type II Diabetes and could lead to the development of specific intervention and treatment programs of depression in diabetics. If you choose to participate you will be presented with a survey consisting of four questionnaires that should take you no longer than 30 minutes to complete. The survey asks questions relating to mood, feelings, lifestyle, age, education and income. You are welcome to read over the survey before deciding if you would like to participate.
Participants required: To be eligible for participation you must have a diagnosis of Type II Diabetes. To ensure that the results from this study are applicable to the target group and to reduce risk to participants we ask that anyone, who is suicidal, has drug and/or alcohol dependency or has been recently hospitalised, does not partake in this study.
Contact: If you have a questions regarding this research please contact Dr. M. Di Benedetto on (03) 9925 3019.
Depression and Health Behaviours
Researchers: Miss Kim Chapple, Dr Mirella Di Benedetto
Organisations: RMIT University
Details: This project aims to investigate the relationship between child and parent health behaviours and the impact of depression severity. Participants are required to complete a demographic questionnaire, health behaviour questionnaire and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). Participants are also required to forward a demographic questionnaire and health behaviour questionnaire to their mother or father for them to complete. Reply-paid envelopes are provided and parent and child responses can be returned separately.
Participants required: This project invites participants who have experienced depression and are over 18 years of age.
Contact: How to request a questionnaire pack: Email your postal address to: rmitresearch@hotmail.com (please note that you are not required to identify yourself on the questionnaires. All responses are anonymous and confidential).
Neuroimaging study of depression and head injury
Researchers: Professor Paul Fitzgerald
Organisations: Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, and the Alfred Hospital
Details: This project is a Neuroimaging study of depression following a head injury with a loss of consciousness. Participation involves two sessions of approximately 2.5 hours each. One session will involve an EEG, which is a non-invasive method to record the electrical activity from the brain using a cap that sits on top of the head. The other session will involve mood and cognitive assessments, and for individuals who have suffered a head injury, an MRI, which uses a strong magnetic field to non-invasively and non-radioactively take an image of the brain. All testing sessions will take place at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. Participants will be reimbursed $30 per session for the time and inconvenience of participation.
Participants required: Participants must be aged between 18 and 65, and be currently depressed.
Contact: If you would like more information or are interested in participating please contact Neil Bailey on (03) 9207 1691 or email ne.bailey@alfred.org.au
Maladaptive Schemas of Individuals Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder
Researchers: Dr. Karen Hallam, Trish Altieri, Shara Granger
Organisations: School of Psychology, Victoria University
Details: This project is investigating whether people with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder experience negative feelings and thoughts about themselves and the world differently than individuals without the disorder. It is hoped that this knowledge will help us better treat bipolar disorder, particularly by using psychological therapies more effectively. This study requires the attendance at one interview by all participants, of 1.5-2 hours duration. The interview will consist of a brief discussion of you current life situation and feelings. In addition, each participant will be required to complete two tasks and five questionnaires, to identify common feelings and previous experiences.
Participants required: We are seeking participants in Melbourne, aged 18-65 years, who have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
Contact: If you would like more information or are interested in participating please contact Shara Granger on 0435 883 115, or email shara.granger@live.vu.edu.au
Impact of Depression and Anxiety: Towards a Better Understanding of Neurobiological Specificity
Researchers: Dr Andrew Kemp, Dr Kim Felmingham, Mr Daniel Quintana, Ms Kristi Griffiths, Prof Richard Bryant, Prof Gin Malhi
Organisations: School of Psychology, University of Sydney; School of Psychology University of NSW; Psychiatry, Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney
Details: Depressed? Anxious? Help make a difference to our understanding of these disorders! We are looking for un-medicated females aged 18-40 years old to take part in important research. We hope to learn whether we can distinguish depression and anxiety based on Neuroimaging and genetics markers. Ever wanted to see a picture of your brain? Here's your chance! Participants will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses. Participation involves approximately 30 minutes of online questionnaires, and approximately 2 hours at Royal North Shore Hospital to undergo an MRI and complete some ratings of images viewed in the scanner.
Participants required: Un-medicated females aged 18-40 years old
Contact: If you are interested or would like more information, please call Dr Andrew Kemp on (02) 93517585 or email us at andrew.kemp@sydney.edu.au or kristi.griffiths@sydney.edu.au.
