Principal Investigator: Austin
Maternal and infant outcomes are being investigated comparing high and low risk groups identified at screening antenatally, to examine the impact of screening on referral to, and uptake of mental health care, in the high risk women as well as parenting stress, and development and treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Principal Investigator: Austin
While temperament is partly genetic, evidence (including our pilot
data) links high levels of antenatal maternal anxiety and depression with “difficult”
infant temperament at 4 months, suggesting an influence on in-utero temperament.
We have designed a study examining the impact of maternal psychological morbidity
on foetal neuro-behaviour.
Principal Investigator: Proudfoot
Research into the management of newly diagnosed bipolar disorder indicates that treatments such as medication, psycho-education and cognitive behavioural therapy are effective in reducing the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder, enhancing self-management and quality of life in those diagnosed and preventing relapse. However, poor treatment adherence is common in bipolar disorder. The aim of the current study is to gain qualitative information on the psycho-social needs of individuals with recently diagnosed bipolar disorder as well as their family members. It is anticipated that the results of the research will provide information for the development of tailored interventions to improve treatment adherence and enhance the coping skills of individuals with newly diagnosed bipolar disorder.
Principal Investigator: Austin
Following a preliminary study (Austin et al 2007), this linkage study in collaboration with the National Perinatal Statistics Unit is planned to ascertain more accurately the relationship between psychiatric morbidity and maternal perinatal mortality.
Principal Investigator: Parker
We are currently re-examining the established phenomena that (i) depression
increases the chances of a subsequent myocardial infarction and (ii) concurrent
depression during the time of having a heart attack increases the chance of
death, pursuing the hypothesis that anxiety, rather than depression, is the
higher order determining variable. Results will shape innovative studies in
a topic that has excited international attention.
Principal Investigator: Dusan Hadzi-Pavlovic While the great majority of people recover from an episode of depression it is not uncommon for them to experience further episodes. The Mood Disorders Unit (MDU) commenced seeing patients in 1985 and is in an excellent position to investigate what happens to people in the 10, 15 or even 20 years following an episode of depression. In mid-2004 we will start to follow-up people who were assessed at the clinic at least 5 years previously. The broad and innovative assessments at the MDU should provide a unique perspective on the question of outcome.
Page last updated: 25-Sep-2009
Depression and Bipolar Disorder Information Australia - Black Dog Institute.
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