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ASRB - 4,000 Volunteers who have Schizophrenia needed
Every word, colour and image sets off nerve cells in your brain. And there are 100,000,000,000 nerve cells in your brain. Nothing is more complex. It's why nothing is harder to solve. To find the answer, we'll have to put our heads together. If you have schizophrenia, we need 4,000 volunteers to begin Australia's largest ever brain research project. By the end, we'll have the clearest picture of the brain we've ever seen, and hopefully, a cure.
The Schizophrenia Research Institute invites people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder to participate in the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank. The Bank is the largest collection of schizophrenia research data in Australia, and is also Australia's largest brain research project.
Your participation will contribute to research aiming to develop better diagnosis, treatments and preventative strategies for people with schizophrenia. The knowledge gained from this research may benefit people with mental illness in the future.
Every person who participates not only helps people who are suffering from schizophrenia, but also benefits the community. The information and help provided by those involved may lead to the development of new treatments or even to a way of preventing schizophrenia happening.
Sooner or later, a research team is going to make a major breakthrough, and you could be a part of it - so, please consider joining the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank. You can help us try to stop schizophrenia by taking four easy steps:
- Attend an interview with a Clinical Assessment Officer at St Vincent's Hospital.
- Have a 40ml blood sample taken for genetic analysis.
- Have a 30 minute structural MRI at Prince of Wales Hospital.
- Participants will be invited to consider the option of being contacted to participate in future schizophrenia research. This is an optional component of your participation.
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The Brain Dynamics Centre (BDC) is a network of centres and units.
It is achieving a unique exploration of the healthy brain and disorders of brain function. They translate these insights into new ways to tailor treatments to the individual.
Their approach is 'integrative neuroscience' - bringing together clinical observations, theory, and modern imaging technologies.
They are actively researching ADHD and conduct disorder, stress and trauma-related problems, depression and anxiety, anorexia nervosa, psychosis (including early onset) and conversion disorders.
Their theoretical framework derives from linking physiology, psychology and evolution.
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Participants needed for study into bipolar disorder
Five hundred Australians are required for a world-first study to pinpoint the causes of bipolar disorder.
The focus is on 12 to 30 year olds who have at least one relative with bipolar disorder. One in 50 Australians suffers bipolar disorder, yet there is still no way of identifying a person in the very early stages or a person who is at high risk.
Researchers from the Black Dog Institute and the University of NSW are undertaking the study in collaboration with major universities in the USA. They will look at all the factors that may contribute to the illness, including a patient’s DNA, brain imaging and psychological testing.
To participate, please phone 1800 352 292 or email: bipolar-kidsandsibs@unsw.edu.au. Click here to see a flyer with more information.
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CASSI: CLINICAL TRIAL OF A HORMONAL MODULATOR IN SCHIZOPHRENIA
Participant Selection and Purpose of Study
You are invited to participate in a study of a hormonal modulator upon learning and memory. This hormonal modulator is a class of medication that acts on hormone receptors. We hope to learn how this hormonal modulator can influence thought processing in schizophrenia and determine whether this hormonal modulator could be used as a novel therapeutic treatment for hormonal-related thinking problems in patients with schizophrenia. If you are a patient with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder you can help us determine whether this hormonal modulator can improve thought processing problems in patients with schizophrenia.
Recompense to Participants
Your participation in this study may have associated expenses. Reimbursement will be provided for out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel to the centre, which will amount to a total of $60.00 per visit.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, or if you are interested in participating, please feel free to contact us. You may contact:
Loretta Moore at 02 9399 1683, fax 02 9399 1034, email: l.moore@neura.edu.au
Dr. Thomas W. Weickert at 02 9399 1130, email: t.weickert@neura.edu.au
http://neura.edu.au/health/schizophrenia
http://neura.edu.au/research/projects/cassi
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OXYTOCIN TREATMENT FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA
Have you been diagnosed with Schizophrenia?
The Brain & Mind Research Institute at the University of Sydney is currently conducting research evaluating a new treatment approach for males with Schizophrenia that aims to improve social cognition and emotion perception.
This first study is open to males aged 18 to 65 with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder. The trial provides a clinical assessment and involves the administration of a nasal spray form of the natural hormone, Oxytocin, and the placebo, taken once, two weeks apart. After the nasal spray, we will examine whether the medication improves the ability to understand how others are thinking and feeling.
Participants are reimbursed up to $110 in Coles-Myer vouchers for travel and participation time.
To participate, contact:
Loraine Chan on 9351 0940 or loraine.chan@sydney.edu.au
Dr. Adam Guastella on 9351 0881 or adam.guastella@ sydney.edu.au
The project has ethical approval from the University of Sydney
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Outcome Measurement Pilot: Effectiveness of a Holiday Program for People with a Mental Illness and their Carers
Michelle Kightley and Lauren Malouf
Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW
The following abstract summarises a trial of a questionnaire to measure the effectiveness of the Holiday Program. Since the introduction of the National Mental Health Plan, there has been a focus on outcome measurement to demonstrate the effectiveness of mental health programs.
This focus recently extended from government to non-government organisations. Accordingly, the Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW (SFNSW) has undertaken to measure the effectiveness of their programs. This includes the Holiday Program, a pioneering venture by SFNSW.
For any enquiries please contact Michelle Kightley or Lauren Malouf on 02 9879 2600.
Click here for abstract
Lauren Malouf has a B. Psychology (Hons) from the University of New South Wales. She is currently employed by the SFNSW as a Project Officer, developing policies and procedures for the Holiday Program. In addition, she is working in collaboration with others to implement outcome measures for Holiday Program participants and their carers that are relevant to the Program.
Michelle Kightley has a B.App.Sc (OT) (Hons) from the University of Sydney. She is currently employed by the SFNSW as a Project Officer, researching and recommending possible outcome measures for all programs of the SFNSW.
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Mental Health - Demystifying Research
ARC Mental Health Tribunals Study
An interdisciplinary research team led by Sydney University Law School's Professor Terry Carney is evaluating the operation of mental health tribunals in NSW, Victoria and the ACT - looking at reviews of inpatient care and community treatment orders. The study aims to assess the fairness and therapeutic value of hearings, and to develop best practice guidelines which will improve access to justice for mental health service users.
We would like to interview any consumers who have been involved in a Mental Health Review Tribunal hearing in the last 12 months.
If you are interested in participating please contact researcher Martin Thomas of the Mental Health Legal Centre on 1800 808 161.
Alternatively you can contact Martin at Martin_Thomas@clc.net.au
For more info click here.
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