ANZCTR search results

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of group Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT-E) for eating disorders in adults. It is hypothesised that, on average, group CBT-E will result in significant pre- to post-treatment improvements in eating disorder symptoms and in symptoms relating to perfectionism, low self-esteem, mood intolerance and interpersonal problems. It is also hypothesised that group CBT-E will be significantly more effective than a waitlist control condition in producing changes in symptoms.

This is a prospective, randomized, single-blinded study to observe subject safety and measure efficacy of the Tonsil Dressing in the treatment of subjects post-tonsillectomy. Up to 36 subjects will be enrolled at up to 6 Australian investigational sites. Subjects will be randomized 2:1 (test:control). Tonsillectomy performed using electrodissection monopolar diathermy (10-15W). Subjects will complete self-assessments of pain (2x/day), activity and nutrition levels for 14 days. Clinic follow-up visit between days 15-25.

This research project will compare a new intensive upper limb rehabilitation approach (COMBiT- combined constraint induced movement therapy and bimanual therapy) with standard care individual occupational therapy for children with congenital hemiplegia.

Falls are common in the population aged 65 years and over and present a major challenge to older people, health care providers and the health system. Over one third of community dwelling people in this age group fall each year and the rate of falling is even higher in residents of aged care facilities. There is now extensive evidence to demonstrate fall rates can be reduced using exercise. Programs that target balance and lower limb muscle strength appear to be most successful however the vast majority of research has focused on community dwelling adults. The results of trials into exercise on falls prevention in residential care are inconsistent. This randomized controlled trial will test the efficacy of an exercise intervention that combines key components of programs from successful community based research on residents of long term aged care. The primary outcome will be falls (fall rates and number of fallers). Quality of life, mobility, and fear of falling will also be measured and a cost benefit analysis will be performed. Outcomes from this study have the potential to impact on a substantial individual and international healthcare problem.

This study aims to investigate the benefits of yoga in the reduction of depression and anxiety, and associated increases in positive emotions, well-being and mental health.

This study aims to examine the incidence of cognitive and affective problems after joint replacement surgery. These outcomes will also be placed into context of post-surgical pain and quality of life. The potential moderating role of cognitive reserve will also be assessed. The specific aims of the study are to: a) Define the incidence of short- and long-term cognitive dysfunction, depression and anxiety following joint replacement surgery. b) Determine the potential moderating role of reserve on these poorer outcomes. c) Identify the predictors of these poorer outcomes, with specific reference to quality of life, pain, and chronic medical conditions

Corticosteroids (CS) are anti inflammatory agents and are frequently used in neurosurgical and neurological practice: they are a routine adjunct to surgery in patients with brain tumours worldwide. Several clinical studies have also demonstrated the utility and safety of CS as an alternative to surgery with CSDH: however, most studies have merely compared CS as ‘medical versus surgical management’. Only one study has directly compared the effects of CS as an adjunct to surgery: although a null effect was observed, the ‘surgery alone’ group consisted of only 13 subjects; and the study was not randomised. We propose to perform the first prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind clinical study of surgery for CSDH with and without corticosteroids as an adjunct. We aim to see whether surgery plus CS might reduce operative recurrences, in-patient stay and mortality.

The purpose of this randomised controlled trial is to determine if the use of a decision aid by drivers with dementia results in improved decisional uncertainty/conflict. It will also involve establishing if the decision aid booklet improves participant knowlege and decisional satisfaction. Booklet use, acceptability and impact upon decision will also be evaluated.

Complicated grief shares a number of common features with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is often treated using eye movement desensitisation reprocessing (EMDR). Given the similarities between PTSD and complicated, there is hope that EMDR may also be effective in treating complicated grief. To date, only one study has documented the results of EMDR with grief client. Although the findings indicated a potential economic benefit in terms of shorter treatment times, the study described had limitations which prevented the results from being generalised. This study aims to explore the efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) in the treatment of grief by using a randomised controlled trial to compare it with a more traditional cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) approach. It will address methodological flaws of the only previous study of EMDR and grief by using random allocation to assign participants to treatment groups, as well as have participants act as their own wait-list controls prior to commencing treatment. Answers will be sought to the following questions: 1) Does EMDR for grief result in more beneficial treatment outcomes than CBT? 2) Is the rate of improvement significantly greater in the EMDR than the CBT treatment approach? 3) Do certain individual factors predict response to treatment? Based on previous studies, both groups are likely to experience significant reductions in the intrusions of unwanted memories, anxiety, and depression. In addition it is likely that they will experience significant improvements in quality of life and behaviours such as sleeping, positive memories of the loved one, avoidance of known triggers and nightmares at post-test (as measured by the Quality of Life Scale and a behavioural questionnaire). It is anticipated that the rate of reductions and improvements as detailed above will be significantly greater in EMDR participants compared to CBT participants. Relative to CBT, it is expected that EMDR participants will experience significantly greater reductions in the intrusive and avoidance effects of the loss, anxiety, depression and grief, and significantly greater improvements in quality of life and behaviours such as sleeping, positive memories of the loved one, avoidance of known triggers and nightmares at post-test.

Depression is a common mental health problem in people with diabetes and is associated with lower quality of life, poorer blood glucose control, and higher rates of functional disability, diabetes related complications and mortality. The internet is recognised increasingly as a useful way of increasing public access to evidence-based treatments for mental health problems. In a recent study, researchers at the Black Dog Institute showed that a new internet and mobile phone intervention, 'myCompass', improved significantly mental health outcomes for people with mild to moderate depression, stress and anxiety. The proposed study will examine whether use of myCompass improves mental health outcomes in people with diabetes, and is associated with improved self-managment and blood glucose control.