Bipolar Affective Disorder: The Striatal Morphological Correlates

Background: Strong evidence is emerging that implicates corticobasal ganglia circuit abnormalities in the expression of affective illnesses, such as bipolar affective disorder (BAD). The striatum (comprising caudate, putamen and nucleus accumbens) has been shown to be reduced in size in younger patients with BAD, and we wish to explore this in an older cohort. Objectives: We aim to refine our understanding of the relationship between striatal morphology and the progression and features of BAD in older persons. Methods: We are conducting a case–control study in an older population (>45 years) utilising brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and clinical data in patients with BAD (N = 18) and healthy controls (N = 21). Using the ANALYZE (Analyze Direct Inc.) software system and spherical harmonic (SPHARM) software, we will measure the volume and shape of the caudate and the putamen. We will analyse striatal morphology and bipolar status both between groups and within groups for clinical features of neuropsychiatric dysfunction. Findings: We expect that striatal volume will be reduced in patients with BAD compared to controls and that within groups volume will be correlated with the severity of neuropsychological dysfunction. Conclusions: This project will elucidate brain structural– functional correlations of BA

A new graduate medical school curriculum in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine: reflections on a decade of development

Objectives: The aim of this study is to reflect upon the rationale, design and development of the Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine curriculum at the Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. Conclusions: We conclude that the development of the fourth-year curriculum of a four-year graduate medical degree was a complex evolutionary process

Salt in the soul, steel in the eye and caution towards the winds: a mariner's guide for navigating a new academic psychiatry department

Objectives: This paper describes principles and advice regarding the development of a new academic psychiatry department within a medical school for aspiring academic psychiatrists. We describe general principles based on the experience of the foundation of the Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine at the Australian National University Medical School. Conclusions: Perspicacious leadership and organisation are the foundation for an academic psychiatry department which delivers teaching, research and broader intellectual engagement with the medical and broader community

Aussie: The Australian Us Scandinavian Spanish Imaging Exchange For Neuropsychiatric Neuroimaging - Early Career Researchers

Background: We describe the development and output of the early-career members of the Australian US Scandinavian Spanish Imaging Exchange (AUSSIE), an international neuropsychiatric neuroimaging network focused on understanding the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disease embedded within clinical health care. Objectives: To summarise the recent research output by early career researchers from within the AUSSIE network for a clinical audience and to outline a model for collaborative clinical research development. Methods: Describe project management, methodologies and outputs from various streams in the AUSSIE network. Findings: We describe pathophysiological understanding derived from research on frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and related disorders, eating disorders, epilepsy and bipolar disorder in addition to outlining imaging analysis techniques used in our research. Conclusions: We will summarise recent research using advanced structural imaging analysis in a range of disorders completed by junior researchers within the AUSSIE network