National Health and Medical Research Council

Mental health is not just the absence of mental disorder, but a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to the community. [1]

Mental health disorders include anxiety and depression, alcohol abuse, and personality disorders. They are a major health burden in Australia, ranking third after cancers and cardiovascular disease. Although fewer deaths are attributed to mental health disorders than to other leading causes, mental health disorders cause significant and ongoing distress and disability. [2]

NHMRC funding for mental health research

In the period 2004-09, NHMRC contributed over $271.1 million to Australian research into mental health.

Some NHMRC-funded research projects into mental health

Developing evidence for the primary prevention of depressive disorders: the role of diet and physical activity

Chief Investigator Professor Michael Berk, University of Melbourne

This study will examine the association between diet, physical activity and depression and bipolar disorders. It will examine whether an individual's regular diet and/or levels of physical activity are related to the development and/or course of these psychiatric illnesses. There is evidence to suggest that our changing diets may play an important role in the development of mood disorders such as depression. The typical western diet has become high in saturated fats and refined sugar, while the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables has declined, and these large-scale dietary changes may be contributing to increasing rates of depression. Moreover, there is evidence of physical activity being protective against depression, while physical inactivity is a risk factor for depression. Our lifestyles are increasingly sedentary and this may also be a contributing factor to the development of mood disorders. This study will involve women enrolled in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study (GOS), which comprises a highly representative sample of randomly-selected women from the Barwon region. The study will prospectively examine the relationships between diet and exercise and the later development of depressive disorders. To date, there is little data focusing on the role of lifestyle factors in the development of depressive disorders. This study will contribute comprehensive information regarding modifiable lifestyle factors that play a role in the development of these disorders. This data can be incorporated with information regarding other modifiable risk factors, such as drug and alcohol misuse, to create a simple public health message on how to reduce one's risk of developing these disorders. A preventative approach to mental illness would be cost-effective and able to be implemented at a population level. It is likely to lead to better outcomes for those affected by depressive illnesses and reduce the public health burden of psychiatric illness in Australia.

NHMRC Project Grant

Mental health literacy and action to deal with mental heath problems: a longitudinal study of young Australians

Chief Investigator Professor Anthony F Jorm, University of Melbourne

Many young people with mental health problems do not get adequate professional help because they lack relevant knowledge. This study will find out what type of knowledge is important for improving appropriate help-seeking by young Australians. Young people who were surveyed two years earlier to assess their mental health knowledge will be followed up to see whether they developed a mental health problem and what action they took to deal with it.

NHMRC Project Grant

Effects of a midwife-led counselling intervention to improve postpartum women's mental health

Chief Investigator Professor Debra K Creedy, Griffith University

Prevention of perinatal mental health difficulties is a national priority. In addition to depressed mood, some mothers experience a range of anxiety disorders. Many women report that problems are not discussed or diagnosed and few receive help. We will conduct a trial and qualitative evaluation of an early counselling intervention for distressed postpartum women. The intervention, offered by trained midwives, aims to reduce anxiety, depression and promote positive parenting.

NHMRC Project Grant

Developing tools and methods to improve the mental health of Aboriginal children

Chief Investigator Dr Anna B Williamson, University of New South Wales

Aboriginal children are thought to experience a disproportionately high burden of mental health-related harm. Little is known about the nature and extent of this harm, or how to improve the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal children. This fellowship seeks to determine the clinical validity of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire amongst urban Aboriginal children. Subsequently, work will be undertaken with communities to develop an intervention to improve child mental health.

Public Health (Australia) Fellowship

Emerging Mental Disorders in Young People: Using Clinical Staging for Prediction, Prevention and Early Intervention

Chief Investigator Professor Patrick D McGorry, University of Melbourne

Mental disorders are a major cause of disability in Australia, especially for young people. We have developed a clinical staging model covering the earliest symptoms through persistent disorder to chronic disability. We are investigating neurobiological, personal and social factors which increase the risk of progression through these stages, and novel treatment strategies which may prevent or delay onset and relapse, reduce the impact of illness, and promote recovery. Major public health benefits and better understanding of the onset and progression of illness will result

NHMRC Program Grant

Prevention, early detection and effective management of neurocognitive disorders in the elderly

Chief Investigator Professor Perminder S Sachdev, University of New South Wales

The Program comprises a number of longitudinal studies of ageing individuals to develop methods of diagnosing dementia before symptoms become prominent. We are also examining factors that increase the risk of developing dementia. We wish to translate this research into early and better diagnosis, and the development of new treatments and strategies for dementia care. We expect that this research will make a major impact on health policy in Australia for cognitive disorders in the elderly.

NHMRC Program Grant

Sources

1. WHO. What is mental health? Accessed 21 October 2009
2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2008. Australia’s health 2008. Cat. no. AUS 99. Canberra: AIHW