Scientific Evidence Creating Cutting Edge Knowledge
The Centre aims to facilitate cutting edge research into the understanding, treatment and prevention of anxiety, depression and other emotional disorders which include some of the most common and greatest impact disorders of our society.
Staff from the Centre have established an international reputation for excellence in research into the understanding and treatment of anxiety and depression across the lifespan. Current projects include research on adult social phobia, child, adolescent and adult depression, child and adolescent anxiety, traumatic stress disorder, and parent-child interactions.
The Centre represents a pooling of intellectual strength attracting a range of academics with skills in such varying fields as behaviour and molecular genetics, developmental psychology, health economics, epidemiology and statistical modelling. Particular research strengths of the Centre include longitudinal investigations into the development of emotional disorders, randomised control trials of psychological treatments, development of new treatments and delivery methods, and examination of the links between emotional and physical problems.
As part of its ongoing research activities, the Centre is active in publications, applications for research grant support, research presentations at national and international conferences and attracts a distinguished range of visiting scholars.
Here is a snap shot of some of the research projects the Centre for Emotional Health are currently working on:
Augmenting Exposure for Child Anxiety with D-cycloserine
There is evidence from research with adults that giving a very small dose of the antibiotic D-cycloserine immediately before or after a session of exposure can increase the degree to which anxiety is reduced. The current study is the first to see whether the same effect works in broadly anxious children. Children will receive 4 sessions of exposure to a core fear and will take a very small dose of either DCS or placebo at each session. If the exposure is improved, this will provide one of the most significant findings in the field of childhood anxiety.
Researchers: Prof Ronald Rapee, A/Prof Jennifer Hudson, Prof Gurjinder Malhi (U Sydney), and A/Prof Michael Jones.
Organisations: Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University; University of NSW
Participants required: Children aged 7-14 years with anxiety disorders.
Contact: For further information please contact Sophie Schneider (Ph: 02 9850 9706, Email: Sophie.Schneider@mq.edu.au) or the Emotional Health Clinic (Ph: 02 9850 8711).
Older Adult Anxiety and Depression Treatment Study (OATS)
Comorbid anxiety and depression symptoms in older adults are associated with an increased risk of dementia, cognitive decline, severe depression and suicide than for either disorder alone. With the ageing of the world’s population, more older adults are going to be effected in the future increasing burden on families, communities and the economy. But despite clear need, very little research has focused on the psychological treatment of comorbid anxiety and depression in older adults. This project builds upon preliminary data from our randomised control trial establishing the superiority of psychological treatment compared to wait list for treating both anxiety and depression in older adults. This proposed project forms the next step which is to compare in a randomised control trial a skills training program to a program focused on increasing mental stimulation, socialisation and support. Suitable participants will be over 60 years of age with comorbid anxiety and depression and will not have delirium, bipolar disorder, suicidal intent, self-harm, late stage dementia or drug and alcohol abuse. Participants will complete clinical interviews and self-report questionnaires at pre-assessment and be randomly allocated to receive either one of the two group formats for 12 weeks. Participants will recomplete the assessment at post and 6 month follow up. The effectiveness of the programs will be compared by examining differences in clinical diagnostic severity (established by clinicians blind to treatment allocation) and scores on self-report measures at pre-treatment, post-treatment and at a 6 month follow up period. In addition, treatment integrity and adherence checks will be conducted. We will also make an exploratory examination of the impact of cognitive functioning on treatment outcomes. The results of this project will establish the most effective treatment for comorbid anxiety and depression in older adults and help prepare us for the future.
Organisation: Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University
Researchers: Viviana Wuthrich, Ron Rapee, Maria Kangas & Sarah Perini
Participants Required: Older adults aged 60 years + with anxiety and depression are required to participate in a randomised controlled trial comparing two psychological group treatments. Treatment is free
Contact: Please contact the Emotional Health Clinic for more information 02 9850-8711.
Enhancing cognitive behavioural treatment outcomes for social phobia
Social phobia is a debilitating disorder that can markedly affect individuals’ lives across occupational, social, and medical domains. While good treatment programs have been developed, there is clearly room for improvement, with over half of the people treated using best-practice CBT still having significant social anxiety after treatment. The new study, funded by a NHMRC grant, will examine the effectiveness of a unique addition to current standard treatment packages for social phobia. The preparatory phase before treatment being trialled here (TEE) has the potential to markedly improve the overall effects of treatment. By increasing engagement with key treatment components such as homework and enhancing expectations for positive outcomes, this simple addition is likely to increase the benefits that people obtain from their treatment experience. Participants will attend three one hour individual sessions prior to attending our best-practice 12-week group program for social phobia. Participants will complet assessments prior to the individual sessions, prior to the group treatment program, after treatment and six months after treatment.
Organisation: Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University.
Researchers: Dr Lorna Peters, Professor Ron Rapee, & Associate Professor Andrew Baillie.
Participants required: Adults aged 18 years and over with social anxiety – a fear of being embarrassed or humiliated in front of others. This can include adults who are chronically shy, unable to speak up or socialise without anxiety or those with a paralysing fear of public speaking.
Contact: Please contact the Emotional Health Clinic for more information on 02 9850 8711.
Combined Alcohol and Social Phobia (CASP) Treatment program
Many shy people drink alcohol as a way of coping with their anxiety. Social events commonly involve alcohol, and shy people often drink in an attempt to fit in or settle their nerves. When alcohol use problems and social anxiety occur at the same time the problems are more severe, treatment is less effective and quality of life is worse. Alcohol use and social anxiety tend to feed each other in a vicious cycle, so it makes sense to tackle these two problems together. Our research team has received NHMRC funding to test two treatments to help reduce drinking and anxiety. Previous research has shown that both of these treatments are effective in reducing social phobia and problem drinking, and our research is aimed at testing which is better. Both treatments involve 10 individual sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy, with a focus on learning practical skills and strategies to help manage problem areas and improve quality of life. The results of this important research will help us to understand more about how these two problems interact, and will provide vital information regarding the most effective treatment approach to help future sufferers.
Organisation: Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, in collaboration with Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Drug Health Services.
Researchers: A/Prof Andrew Baillie, Dr Lexine Stapinski, Prof Ron Rapee, Dr Claudia Sannibale, Prof Maree Tessson, Prof Paul Haber.
Participants required: The treatment trial is for people who experience both social anxiety and harmful drinking. According to NHMRC guidelines, harmful drinking is considered 29 standard drinks of alcohol or more per week or more for men, and 14 standard drinks per week or more for women.
Contact: For further information about the study please contact the CASP team on (02) 9850 8670, casp@mq.edu.au, or visit the project website: http://www.psy.mq.edu.au/casp/
Drinking Over Shyness: Experimental Study into the Vicious Cycle of Social Phobia and Alcohol use Problems
Alcohol use disorders and social phobia are common disorders that frequently co-occur, leading to considerable impairment, and poor treatment outcomes. The psychological mechanisms that maintain social phobia are well established, but little is known about how alcohol affects these processes. This study will explore the relationship between drinking and anxiety during a social interaction. Examining the effects of alcohol on participants’ beliefs, behaviours and emotions will clarify why social anxious individuals are susceptible to alcohol use problems. This knowledge is essential to the development of effective treatment and prevention strategies to reduce the impact at both the individual and societal level.
Organisation: Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University.
Researchers: Dr Lexine Stapinski , A/Prof Andrew Baillie, Prof Maree Tessson.
Participants required: Participants who experience both social anxiety and harmful drinking are invited to participate. According to NHMRC guidelines, harmful drinking is considered 29 standard drinks of alcohol or more per week or more for men, and 14 standard drinks per week or more for women. Participants will be reimbursed $50 in recognition of their time and effort.
Contact: For further information about the study please contact Dr Lexine Stapinski on (02) 9850 1801, or email: lexine.stapinski@mq.edu.au.
Distressed Carers for Persons with Dementia-related Conditions: New Therapy Program
Currently, many people with a dementia-related condition (e.g., Alzheimer’s) are cared for by family members. These carers play a vital role in helping them to manage their daily needs. But studies have shown that often, with little support, these family carers are at risk, and some are suffering from a range of emotional problems, including anxiety, stress and depression which can lead to serious disruptions to work commitments, interpersonal relationships, household and family routines. Therefore, ensuring the well-being of carers is important.
The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effects of a new psychological therapy program for anxiety and depressive problems among adult carers for people with dementia-related conditions. Any carer who is experiencing distress and is looking after family members or relatives (including partners and parents) with dementia-related conditions may be eligible for this study. The therapy program is conducted individually and consists of eight weekly session held over a 10-week period. The aim of the therapy program is to help carers reduce their anxiety/depression as well as improve their general well-being. The therapy sessions, which are free to eligible persons, will be held at the Centre for Emotional Health located on the Macquarie University campus at North Ryde. Home visits may also be considered for carers living in the Sydney Metropolitan area, who are unable to attend sessions at the Ryde campus.
Organisation: Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University.
Researchers: Dr Maria Kangas (Centre for Emotional Health), and Professor Skye McDonald (University of New South Wales).
Participants required: Any distressed person aged 18 years or older who is caring for a family member (or relative) with a dementia-related condition, and reside in the Sydney metropolitan area, or are willing to travel to Macquarie University if they reside outside of Sydney.
Contact: For further information please contact Dr Maria Kangas [Email: maria.kangas@mq.edu.au Telephone: (02) 9850 8599] or her clinical research team on Telephone: (02) 9850 4082.
Psychological Treatment for Anxiety and Depression in Adults with Brain Tumours
The aim of this study is to investigate whether a new psychological therapy program, titled the ‘Behavioural and Acceptance Based Therapy (BABT)’ program is useful in helping individuals reduce their distress (including anxiety and depressive symptoms) resulting from their experience of being diagnosed and treated for a primary brain tumour, as well as improve their overall quality of life. The therapy program is conducted individually and consists of eight weekly session held over a 10-week period. The therapy program is free for eligible persons.
Organisations: Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University in collaboration with staff at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney.
Researchers: Dr Maria Kangas (Centre for Emotional Health), Professor Skye McDonald (University of New South Wales), Associate Professor Robert Smee and Sr. Janet Williams [Dept. of Radiation Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital (POWH)]
Participants required: Any distressed person aged 18 years or older who has been treated for a primary brain tumour and is able to attend therapy sessions at Macquarie University, Ryde or Price of Wales Hospital, Sydney.
Contact: For further information please contact Dr Maria Kangas [Email: maria.kangas@mq.edu.au Telephone: (02) 9850 8599] or her clinical research team on Telephone: (02) 9850 4082.
Perinatal Regulation and Mood Study (PRAMS)
This longitudinal study is investigating the earliest origins of individual differences in infant temperament and other behaviours such as sleeping, feeding and settling. Participants are invited to complete online questionnaires and telephone interviews during pregnancy and at infant ages 3 and 6 months. There are also two study site visits, one during pregnancy and the other at infant age 6 months.
Researchers: A/Professor Cathy McMahon, Dr Kerry Ann Grant, Professor Ron Rapee, A/Professor Jenny Donald (Centre for Emotional Health) and Professor Marie Paule Austin, University of New South Wales.
Organisations: Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University; University of NSW.
Contact: For further information please contact Helene Seddon-Glass (Ph: 02 9850 6750, Email: prams@mq.edu.au) or visit the study website www.psy.mq.edu.au/prams
Fear Extinction Processes in Children: Theoretical Implications for the Aetiology and Treatment of Childhood Anxiety Disorders
The most prevalent mental health problems in childhood are anxiety disorders, which confer significant disability to the youth and place them at risk for further mental health problems. Despite this, very little is known about the loss of fear in childhood, a fundamental process in the treatment of the disorder. Therefore, the aim of this project is to investigate learning processes involved in how we lose fear in childhood, and whether these fear can return under various situations. The findings from this project have the potential contribute to the development of innovative intervention programs for children, and in turn, reduce the prevalence and economic burden of anxiety disorders in our community.
Researchers: Dr Carol Newall & A/Professor Jennie Hudson.
Organisations: Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University.
Participants required: Children (aged 7-12), adults (aged 18+).
Contact: Dr Carol Newall; ph: (02) 9850 8057 or carol.newall@mq.edu.au.
Evaluation of an online decision aid for women with breast cancer considering reconstructive surgery (Breconda Online Study)
We have developed Breconda, a decision aid to help women about to undergo mastectomy make a decision for or against having reconstructive surgery to recreate a breast shape. The decision aid was initially developed as a CD-Rom program. The aim of this current study is to first, convert the CD-Rom program into a web-based program. This will give women located in remote and regional areas access to this decisional support program. The online conversion is nearing completion. Following the online conversion, we will be carrying out a study to evaluate how effective Breconda is in facilitating decisions about reconstructive surgery among women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. We will be recruiting women into the study from a number of breast clinics located throughout the Sydney region. Participants will complete online questionnaires when they first enter the study, and then again 4 weeks and 6 months later. Recruitment into this study has not yet commenced.
Researchers: Professor John Boyages, Assoc. Professor Paul Brown, Assoc. Prof. Linda Cameron, Dr James French, Ms Janet Green, Dr Diana Harcourt, Dr Thomas Lam, Dr Kerry Sherman, Dr Alan Taylor, Dr Nicholas Wilcken.
Grant Holder: Dr Kerry Sherman (Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University).
Participants required: We will be recruiting women into the study from a number of breast clinics located throughout the Sydney region. Participants will complete online questionnaires when they first enter the study, and then again 4 weeks and 6 months later. Recruitment into this study has not yet commenced.
Contact: Dr Kerry Sherman; ph: (02) 9850 6874 or kerry.sherman@mq.edu.au.
Psychological Responses to Attendance at Breast Assessment Clinics: A Comparison of Standard with Streamlined Clinics (Stepdown Study)
Early detection for breast cancer through mammographic screening is currently recommended once every two years for Australian women over the age of 50 years. Approximately 7% of all women screened are required to return for reassessment following an unclear or suspicious initial mammogram. Prior studies have found that women frequently experience heightened distress as a result of being recalled for further assessment. In this study we will compare women’s psychological responses to attending two different types of breast assessment clinics (standard assessment clinics and streamlined assessment clinics). We have recruited 190 women into the study so far during 2009. By the end of 2010 we should have completed collecting data. These results will help guide decisions about the way in which breast assessment clinics are carried out. This study is conducted in collaboration with Macquarie University.
Researchers: Prof John Boyages, Dr Natacha Borecky, Dr Kerry Sherman.
Funding: Westmead Breast Cancer Institute.
Contact: Dr Kerry Sherman; ph: (02) 9850 6874 or kerry.sherman@mq.edu.au.
Supporting Men, Supporting Women: Development of Online Resources for Male Partners of Women Undergoing Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer Susceptibility
Thousands of Australian women are being tested for hereditary breast cancer susceptibility through genetic risk assessment clinics, with this figure increasing each year. With most women relying on male partners to assist them through this challenging and stressful experience, there is a growing need to address the psychosocial needs of these supportive male partners. There are currently no resources, online or otherwise, specifically targeting the needs of male support partners in this context. Yet, our prior research shows that when male partners are unable to provide much-needed support to the tested women, the women experience long-term distress. This project aims to develop online information and support resources for male support partners of women undergoing genetic testing for breast cancer. We will first develop the online resource, with input from clinicians, and men and women involved with breast cancer genetic testing. We will also pilot test this resource among a sample of male support partners and key health personnel to ensure that is relevant and acceptable for these audiences. Resource development and participant recruitment is yet to commence. Our online support resource will potentially increase awareness of the genetic testing process and minimise distress among male partners, which in turn, should help the women themselves to feel better supported and less distressed as they negotiate their way through the risk assessment process.
Researchers: Dr Nadine Kasparian, Ms Janet Green, Dr Shab Mireskandari, Assoc Prof Kathy Tucker, Dr Wayne Warburton.
Grant Holder: Dr Kerry Sherman (Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University).
Contact: Dr Kerry Sherman; ph: (02) 9850 6874 or kerry.sherman@mq.edu.au.
The Managing Stress and Anxiety Course
Problems with anxiety affect more than 1 in 7 adults in Australia each year, but many people with anxiety or stress have difficulty accessing treatment.
The Managing Stress and Anxiety Course is an 8-week online course that teaches older adults (aged 60 years +) strategies for managing stress and anxiety. It is particularly useful for people who have had anxiety for several years.
Organisation: The eCentreClinic (www.ecentreclinic.org), Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University.
Researchers: The study is conducted by A/Prof Nick Titov, Dr Blake Dear, Dr Judy Zou, Carolyn Lorian, and Luke Johnston.
Participants required: Applicants must live in Australia, be at least 60 years of age, have access to the internet, and have difficulty managing stress and anxiety.
Contact: For further information about the study please visit the eCentreClinic website at www.ecentreclinic.org.
This trial of the Managing Stress and Anxiety Course is co-funded by the Centre for Emotional Health and beyondblue: the National Depression Initiative.
[Withdraw notice Sept 25 2011]
The Managing Your Mood Course
Low mood and depression are frequently occurring conditions, and often last for many years. Many people with low mood or depression have difficulty accessing treatment. The Managing Your Mood Course is an 8-week online course that teaches older adults (aged 60 years +) strategies for managing low mood and depression.
Organisation: The eCentreClinic (www.ecentreclinic.org), Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University.
Researchers: The study is conducted by A/Prof Nick Titov, Dr Blake Dear, Dr Judy Zou, Carolyn Lorian, and Luke Johnston.
Participants required: Applicants must live in Australia, be at least 60 years of age, have access to the internet, and have difficulty managing low mood or depression.
Contact: For further information about the study please visit the eCentreClinic website at www.ecentreclinic.org.
This trial of the Managing Your Mood Course is co-funded by the Centre for Emotional Health and beyondblue: the National Depression Initiative.
The OCD Course
People with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) have unwanted thoughts about causing harm; becoming contaminated; or unwanted violent or sexual thoughts. To cope with these thoughts people with OCD do repetitive and time consuming activities or mental rituals.
We are seeking people with OCD to trial a new treatment. This study tests an 8-week online course that uses the latest psychological techniques to treat OCD, with weekly contact from a clinical psychologist.
Organisation: The eCentreClinic (www.ecentreclinic.org), Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University.
Researchers: The study is conducted by Bethany Wootton, A/Prof Nick Titov, Dr Blake Dear, Jay Spence, and Luke Johnston.
Participants required: Applicants must live in Australia, be at least 18 years of age, have access to the internet, and cannot currently be receiving CBT for OCD.
Contact: For further information about the study please visit the eCentreClinic website at www.ecentreclinic.org, or telephone (02) 9850 9971.
[Withdraw notice mid Feb 2012]
The PTSD Course
People with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have experienced a very stressful event, and may suffer distressing thoughts or nightmares about the trauma. Thinking about the trauma can also trigger physical reactions such as sweating, shaking, or panicky feelings and people with PTSD also often avoid situations, people and places that remind them about the event.
We are seeking people with PTSD to trial a new treatment. This study tests an 8-week online course that uses the latest psychological techniques to treat PTSD, with weekly contact from a clinical psychologist.
Organisation: The eCentreClinic (www.ecentreclinic.org), Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University.
Researchers: The study is conducted by Jay Spence, A/Prof Nick Titov, Dr Blake Dear, Bethany Wootton, and Luke Johnston.
Participants required: Applicants must live in Australia, be at least 18 years of age, have access to the internet, and cannot currently be receiving CBT for PTD.
Contact: For further information about the study please visit the eCentreClinic website at www.ecentreclinic.org, or telephone (02) 9850 9971.
[Withdraw notice mid Feb 2012]
The Pain Course
The Pain Course is a new 5-lesson internet-based course designed to provide adults (18 years plus) with practical information about chronic pain, pain management techniques and strategies for managing anxiety and depression. Chronic Pain is common and is defined as any pain that has been experienced for 3 months or more. This course is not designed to treat Chronic Pain, but aims to help people maximize their ability to cope and maintain good emotional wellbeing despite pain.
The first trial of the Pain Course begins in late September, 2011. This trial involves completing lessons and homework tasks online via our website, with weekly support from a Clinical Psychologist. People will also read about how other adults have learned to manage chronic pain, anxiety and depression. To find out more about the Pain Course, please visit our website at www.ecentreclinic.org.
Organisation: The eCentreClinic (www.ecentreclinic.org), Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University.
Researchers: The study is conducted by Dr Blake Dear, Dr Kathryn Nicholson Perry, A/Prof Nick Titov, and Luke Johnston.
Participants required: Applicants must live in Australia, be at least 18 years of age, have access to the internet, and have chronic pain.
Contact: For further information about the study please visit the eCentreClinic website at www.ecentreclinic.org.
[Withdraw notice mid Feb 2012]
Relationship between Expectancy and Alcohol Preferences
Drinking and preference for alcoholic beverages is affected by expectancies regarding the positive and negative consequences of drinking. In this study you will be asked to attend two sessions spaced two weeks apart (a total of 1.5 hours time commitment), in which you will complete questionnaires and watch video material. In the second session you may participate in a taste-testing exercise involving the consumption of beer. Participants who complete both sessions will be placed in a draw for 1 of 2 $50 shopping vouchers to Macquarie Shopping Centre.
Organisation: Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University.
Researchers: The study is conducted by James Fenton, as part of her Psychology Honours thesis at Macquarie University, under the supervision of Dr Lexine Stapinski.
Participants required: Males who consume an average of 10 standard drinks of alcohol per week, and females who consume an average of 7 standard drinks of alcohol per week are invited to attend. You need to have consumed beer in the last six months and be willing to catch public transport to the second session.
Contact: For more information and session times, please email your name and contact number to james.fenton@students.mq.edu.au.
How are mood, stress, and our sex lives related?
You’re feeling down or chronically stressed. Is your sex life suffering the consequences?
Low mood, stress and our (waning) sex lives often are closely related, right? Maybe not for men; recent research has found that depression and anxiety symptoms may only be related to sexual difficulties for women. These intriguing results have sparked our interest, and we are now trying to get to the bottom of these complex and under-researched relationships.
This new study hopes to get between the sheets with thousands of Australian men and women to find out exactly what the relationships are between low mood, stress, and sexual problems. We will look at the levels of these everyday difficulties in the general population, and we can then apply what we learn from this research to new treatment programs for depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunctions. The key questions we’re interested in are: How are these disorders related over time? Does one type of disorder cause another, or are they related at a deeper level?
Organisation: Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University.
Researcher: The study is being conducted by Miriam Forbes as part of a PhD, under the supervision of Dr. Carolyn Schniering, and A/Prof Andrew Baillie.
Participants required: If you decide to participate in this online study, you will be asked to answer some questions about negative emotions and some aspects of sexual function at six separate time points – either once a week for six weeks, or once a month for six months. Other than the sense of fulfillment and self-satisfaction you'll get out of helping with a research study like this, there's also a $100 Cash Card up for grabs at every time point!
Contact: Come get involved, and help us understand this under-researched problem. Go to www.moodstressandsex.com for more information.
Investigating People’s Response to Stress
In a modern world more and more people are exposed to stress on a daily basis. According to previous research, differences between your feelings and how your body reacts to stress could be linked to getting sick. To further this research the present study will record your heart rate while you are watching a series of pictures and listen to music. In order to complete several questionnaires you will need to be competent in English. People on beta blockers cannot participate as these medications may interfere with heart recordings.
Testing times are flexible. If you are willing to help please contact us to be booked in for a 30-minute session at the Macquarie University’s psychology testing laboratory. To thank for your participation you will have an option to enter in a draw to win a $50 Myer gift card or a one-week membership at the Macquarie University Sport & Aquatic Centre.
Researcher: The study is being conducted by Eva Steli-Gajdos, as part of her Psychology Honours thesis at Macquarie University, under the supervision of Associate Professor Andrew Baillie.
Participants required: If you are over 25 years of age, love food and struggle to find time to exercise your participation in the study investigating discrepancies in self-report and physiological measures in response to stress will be highly appreciated.
Contact: For further information about the study please contact Eva Steli-Gajdos at eva.steli-gajdos@students.mq.edu.au or on 0403 430 834.
Parent Attitudes towards Using Medication to Treat Anxious Kids
This research examines parent attitudes towards using a new type of medication called D-Cycloserine for treating anxious young people. It is an anonymous online survey which and takes about ten minutes to complete. This research is to meet the requirements for Mr Simon Byrne’s PhD, under the supervision of Professor Ronald Rapee, at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia.
In order to complete this survey, just click the link below:
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/459859/dcs
Organisation: Department of Psychology, Macquarie University.
Researchers: Mr Simon Byrne and Professor Ronald Rapee.
Participants required: We are looking parents who have had a child aged ten years of age (at some stage).
Contact: If you have any further questions about this research, please e-mail Mr Simon Byrne at simon.byrne@mq.edu.au.
[Withdrawal Notice: 31 June 2012]
Functional Constipation and its Psychological Characteristics
Functional constipation is a long term chronic type of constipation that has no apparent medical cause. It can be a stressful and debilitating condition and has not been widely studied. This project aims to examine if the various psychological factors (e.g., personality, stress, unhelpful beliefs) underlying Functional Constipation are similar to those underlying Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Participants are invited to complete an online survey will take between 30 to 40 minutes to complete. Upon completion, you will be able to download some evidence-based self-help techniques that could be used to help manage the stress of your constipation or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. You can also choose to put your name into a draw for a $60 gift voucher from Woolworths, Coles or Myer (your choice).
Organisation: Department of Psychology, Macquarie University.
Researchers: This research is conducted by Wee Chong, Tan as part of his Doctor of Psychology (clinical) project. He is supervised by Assoc Prof Andrew Baillie and Assoc Prof Michael Jones.
Participants required: If you are 18 years or older and have either symptoms of Chronic Constipation (i.e. constipation 3 or more times a week, incomplete clearing of bowels frequently, for 3 months or longer) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (i.e, frequent abdominal pain, bloating, frequent diarrhea/ frequent constipation, for 3 months or longer), than you are invited to complete an online survey.
Contact: Please call Wee Chong, Tan at 0420 851 485 to find out more. You can also email him at wee-chong.tan@students.mq.edu.au
Can Psychological Treatments that work for Irritable Bowel Syndrome also Help People with Functional Constipation?
This study aims to: 1) examine if psychological factors affecting Irritable Bowel Syndrome also affect Functional Constipation; 2) if a stress management program known to work for Irritable Bowel Syndrome works for Functional Constipation. This is a small clinical treatment trial where selected participants will undergo an 8 week gut-focused mindfulness-based stress management program.
Participants will be screened by a brief telephone interview by the researchers for suitability to engage in this treatment trial. If eligible, they will be required to complete a 3 hour assessment interview to help tailor the program to their specific needs, and undergo an 8 week program (once a week, 1 hour per session). Participants will be required to complete a questionnaire battery during the interview and 3 months after the end of the treatment program. They will also be required to complete a short diary every day (takes no more than 5 minutes) for the duration of the stress management program.
Participants will:
- Be paid $50 for their time upon completing all 8 weeks of the treatment program
- Be paid $30 upon completion of the questionnaire battery 3 months after the completion of the treatment program
- Get a free copy (with guided meditation CD) of “A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook”
- A free copy of the stress management program workbook.
Organisation: Department of Psychology, Macquarie University.
Researchers: This research is conducted by Wee Chong, Tan as part of his Doctor of Psychology (clinical) project. He is supervised by Assoc Prof Andrew Baillie and Assoc Prof Michael Jones. Wee Chong, Tan will be the researcher running the stress management program.
Participants required: Adults (17 years and older) who have been diagnosed or have symptoms of:
- Long term Constipation (i.e., constipation 3 or more times a week, incomplete clearing of bowels frequently, for 3 months or longer)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (frequent abdominal pain, bloating, frequent diarrhea/ frequent constipation, for 3 months or longer)
- Participants will be required to have obtained or be obtaining a medical diagnosis for long term constipation/ chronic constipation/ functional constipation OR Irritable Bowel Syndrome from a medical practitioner. This is to ensure that they receive the most suitable care, as the program is not designed to manage other medical conditions.
Contact: Please call Wee Chong, Tan at 0420 851 485 to find out more. You can also email him at wee-chong.tan@students.mq.edu.au