Mental Health Trials

This trial is investigating approaches to the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder among adolescents and young people aged 12-25 years. Paticipants will be randomised to receive up to 16 sessions of an integrated cognitive behavioural therapy (COPE-A) with a registered psychologist, delivered either in person or via telehealth.

The study has two primary aims: To test the effectiveness of Moderated Online Social Therapy (MOST) by comparing the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness against treatment-as-usual for young people in the community and, for those who receive MOST, to determine what combination of interventions work most effectively to reduce transdiagnostic symptoms.

The Affinity trial aims to assess the efficacy of novel intervention content delivered on the moderated online social therapy (MOST) in reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviours in young people attending outpatient or community care. The intervention content has been developed based on the interpersonal theory of suicide.

The research project aims to test if two medications – atorvastatin or metformin – may help to reduce symptoms of major depression and improve quality of life. Atorvastatin is a medication to treat high cholesterol and metformin XR is a medication to treat diabetes.  There is evidence that both medications might also reduce depression symptoms.

OPTIMISM is a 4-week double-blind placebo-controlled feeding trial in 44 adults with major depression. The study aims to investigate the effect of two dietary patterns on depressive symptoms, other psychological endpoints and various biological endpoints to understand potential mechanisms. All meals and snacks will be provided to participants for the duration of the study.

The AMETHYST study is a psychological therapies trial run by Swinburne University. It compares two therapies for people with persistent experiences of hearing voices.

It aims to increase our understanding of the best ways to help individuals who hear voices to provide better care in the future. All participants enrolled in the trial will receive a specialist talking therapy for hearing voices.

This will be delivered via video conferencing (Zoom) and is available to people throughout Australia.

The STOP Trial is investigating whether lavender oil is an effective treatment for PTSD. Participants will take lavender oil or placebo capsules daily for 12 weeks in addition to their usual medications. They will complete questionnaires every 2-4 weeks until week 16 (i.e. 4 weeks post-treatment).

New research suggests a commonly prescribed and well tolerated blood pressure medication may have anti-depressant properties. This Deakin University led trial aims to assess if this medication may help to reduce symptoms of depression in bipolar disorder and improve general quality of life, in addition to usual treatment.

New research suggests a commonly prescribed and well tolerated blood pressure medication may have anti-depressant properties. This Deakin University led trial aims to assess if this medication may help to reduce symptoms of depression in major depressive disorder and improve general quality of life, in addition to usual treatment.

The HARMON-E trial is comparing the effects of two different group-based therapies for mental health. Participants with depression or bipolar disorder will be randomly placed into one of two groups to receive sessions from either allied health professionals, or registered psychologists.

The HeLiPaD trial is testing a brief online educational program for supporting mental health in workplaces. The program was co-designed by a stakeholder group. We are recruiting workplaces to participate in a cluster randomised controlled trial to test whether the program improves help seeking and reduces stigma.

Evidence suggests that low dose ketamine is an effective treatment for unipolar depression. Kite is a randomised controlled trial investigating whether low dose ketamine is an effective treatment for bipolar depression. Participants will be randomised to receive six doses of either ketamine or midazolam (an active control medication).