4 research outputs found
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