A pilot study by Orygen found that cannabidiol reduced anxiety severity and impairment in young people with treatment-resistant anxiety by 42.6%. The treatment was well-tolerated, with mild side effects such as sedation and fatigue, and showed promise for a significant number of young people affected by anxiety.
A new 16-question self-report form, F-SIM16, assesses someone's level of social inclusion and can lead to more targeted and personalized care. The measure has been recognized for its strong theoretical foundation and input from people with lived experience of mental ill-health.
A new study by Orygen has shown that early psychosis programs delivered in Australian headspace centres significantly improved the clinical and functional outcomes of young people. At six months, both groups experienced considerable improvement in psychological distress and psychosis symptoms.
A new study by Orygen has linked exposure to toxoplasma gondii, carried by cats, with an increased likelihood of developing psychosis in young people. The observational study found a significant association between long-term Toxoplasma infection and the transition to first-episode psychosis.
Research by Orygen found that young 'night owls' have significantly higher negative psychotic symptoms. The study suggests a link between sleep disturbance, chronotype, and psychotic symptoms, highlighting the importance of early identification and intervention.
Researchers found that intensive psychosocial intervention can lead to reduced symptoms and improved functioning without antipsychotic medication in young people with early stage first episode psychosis. A larger trial is needed to investigate whether antipsychotic-free treatment could be recommended for specific groups.
A rapid review of contemporary epidemic research found an increase in psychosis prevalence due to COVID-19 linked to viral exposure, pre-existing vulnerability, and psychosocial stress. People with psychosis may pose a significant challenge for clinical teams and potentially transmit the virus.
A review of 131 studies covering 12,000 people identified two brain networks that appear to play an important role in increasing suicide risk. These networks involve the medial and lateral ventral prefrontal cortex and the dorsal prefrontal cortex and inferior frontal gyrus system.
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry has found that psychotherapy should be the first line of treatment for depression in young people. The study involved 153 participants aged 15-25 and found no significant differences in symptom improvement between those receiving cognitive behavioural therapy with or without fluoxetine.
A study by Orygen researchers found that B-vitamin supplements improved concentration skills among participants with first episode psychosis. The results suggest that individuals with elevated homocysteine levels may benefit most from these supplements.
A comprehensive Australian study examined the global impact of suicide prevention approaches in young people and found that youth-specific interventions can be effective in reducing self-harm and suicidal thinking. The study highlights the importance of investing in evidence-based interventions and identifying gaps in current approaches.
A research study found that machine learning outperformed human experts in predicting social outcomes for people at high risk of psychosis (83% accuracy) and those with recent-onset depression (70%). This could lead to personalized treatments to improve social functioning.
A new treatment approach aims to address substance use problems in young people with mental illness, targeting early intervention and integrated services. This funding will support developing prevention-oriented drug and alcohol and mental health services for young people aged 12-25.
Researchers have established a link between childhood trauma and severe hallucinations in schizophrenia, offering new treatment hope. The study found that childhood trauma was associated with hallucinations and delusions, and may help empower young patients to make informed decisions about their mental health.
Therapy animals are used in mental and physical health treatment, but lack regulation; guidelines aim to prevent misuse and misunderstanding. The new recommendations include standard terminology, clear methodologies, peak bodies, and ongoing research.
Research led by Professor Stephen Wood at Orygen found that individuals with autism traits and psychosis are at a greater risk of depression and suicidal thoughts. The study suggests that identifying autism traits can help identify those most at risk of suicide, highlighting the need for better training and assessments.