Centres of Research Excellence Fund

2006 Expressions of Interest

Mental Health and Addiction Research Centre (MHARC)

Director:  Prof. Peter Joyce
Host:        University of Otago

Partners:   The University of Auckland
                 HortResearch Limited
                 Institute of Environmental Science and Research

Abstract:

Mental disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and eating disorders and alcohol and drug addictions are major contributors to the burden of disease for young New Zealanders and their families.  The recent New Zealand Mental Health survey has confirmed their high prevalence and associated disability, and has highlighted that they usually start at a young age.

The Mental Health and Addiction Research Centre (MHARC) will undertake research into the causes and treatments of these disorders.  One theme of the Centre will be based on neuroscience with contributing laboratories in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland.  This theme will attempt to understand the genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the development of mental disorders and addictions, and how therapeutic drugs such as antidepressants and mood stabilisers, and drugs of abuse, affect cells of the nervous system.  In conjunction with HortResearch we will also examine how food composition may impact on the functioning of cells in the nervous system and on well-being.

The second theme will create for New Zealand a multi-centre clinical studies network, and will be closely linked to the neuroscience theme.  Clinical trials will include: (i) Evaluation of treatments for people with co-existing depression plus alcohol dependence.  (ii) Evaluation of both interpersonal psychotherapy and antidepressant drugs in young people with depression.  (iii) Evaluation as to whether brief interventions can reduce the risk of repeat suicide attempts.  (iv) Other studies may involve the application of computer technology to deliver cognitive therapy to young people with anxiety disorders; expansion of the youth depression study in South Auckland to evaluate and develop Maori focussed treatments for young Maori; and re-examination of prevalence rates of bipolar disorder in Pacific Island populations.