Research
CMHR undertakes a range of short and long-term research and development projects, focusing primarily on depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse and bipolar disorder.
Research themes
e-health
CMHR includes an e-mental health Research & Development group (e-hub) which develops and evaluates websites that deliver psycho-education and psychological interventions for common mental health problems, as well as clinical and consumer networking. A range of e-hub's programs have explored the importance and quality of health information on the Internet, and the use of the Internet for disseminating public health information on mental health.
Consumer perspectives
Consumers (people who have experienced a mental disorder) are increasingly interested in participating in and managing their own health. Many of CMHR's research projects involve direct participation or input from people who have suffered from an anxiety or depressive disorder.
Stigma & help-seeking
Many people with depression do not seek help. One of the reasons for help-seeking reluctance is stigma, but previously there has been a lack of in-depth investigation into stigma of depression. CMHR runs research projects designed to better understand people's concerns about stigma and has developed a number of scales to better assess stigma
Mental health measures
In order to study mental health and attitudes, it is important to use appropriate methods of measurement. Researchers at CMHR have developed new scales around stigma and dysfunctional thinking, in order to conduct associated community mental health research.
Suicide
Every year 2,500 people die as a result of suicide in Australia, with suicide being the most common cause of death among young people and adults aged 15-44 years. Little research has been directed to understanding and preventing suicide. CMHR is involved in studies designed to develop effective approaches to suicide prevention.
Epidemiology
CMHR researchers investigate mental health problems across the life-span through data collected via long term studies. CMHR is also about to start a new longitudinal study focussing on consumers who have experienced depression.
Comorbidity & substance use
In the general population, of those people with a mental health disorder, nearly one third with also have a substance use disorder in their lifetime. Among those with more severe mental health disorders the prevalence is much greater.
Youth
CMHR undertakes a range of mental health research with young people, including development and evaluation of prevention, early intervention and treatment programs for youth. This includes research within school and university environments.
Older people
For older people, there are certain risk factors which may make individuals more vulnerable to depression. These risk factors may require preventive action. CMHR's research includes understanding the mental health concerns of older people, and researching effective treatment and intervention options.
