Details of stream 2 studies

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Non-Clinical Cohort Study

Principal Investigator: Wilhelm
Since 1978, a cohort of men and women has been periodically assessed, with a 20-year follow-up identifying that about half had a lifetime history of anxiety, depression or substance abuse.

As rates have been stable in the last decade, this suggests that it is opportune to study both resilience (those who have not developed a disorder) and the effects of disorder on their spouses and children.

Gender Differences in the Experience of Depression

Principal Investigator: Wilhelm
This cohort study commenced in 1978, to quantify depressive experience in a non-clinical group, with an emphasis on sex differences in rates and longitudinal course of depressive episodes, the relationship between depression and anxiety and the sex differences in coping styles and help seeking behaviour.

Impact of Depression on Cardiac Functioning

Principal Investigator: Parker
It is now well established that individuals who have experienced a depressive episode are more likely to have a heart attack while those who have had a heart attack and who are depressed are more likely to have a poor outcome. Our objectives are to determine whether the impact emerges from depression per se or a higher order variable – and identify the higher order variable.

Qualitative Investigation into the Precipitants of Mania in Young People with Bipolar Disorder

Principal Investigator: Proudfoot
Approximately 90% of people suffering from bipolar disorder are aged between 15 – 34 years of age.  A large amount of literature exists on the role of genetics in the development of bipolar disorder.  However, little is known about the types of behaviours and activities that may precipitate episodes of mania in young people.  The aim of the current study is to gain qualitative information on the types of behaviours and activities that trip young people into episodes of mania.  It is hoped that the findings of this research will be instrumental in informing the development of effective community preventative programs and wellbeing plans aimed at assisting young people with bipolar disorder to promote wellbeing and build resilience against further episodes. 

Men’s Experience of Depression

Principal Investigator: Wilhelm
Women have higher rates of depression and anxiety (related to internal experience of distress) while men have higher rates of substance abuse and ‘acting out’ personality disorders (related to external manifestation of distress). The aim is to try and understand men’s’ internal experience and whether there are elements of men’s experience that equate to depression but are conceptualised differently.