Department of Psychology Centre for Emotional … 2007report.pdfDepartment of Psychology Centre for...

Annual Report

2007

Department of Psychology

Centre for Emotional Health

Centre for Emotional Health720, C3AMacquarie UniversityNSW 2109

Telephone +61(0)2 9850 4084Facsimile +61(0)2 9850 8062www.ceh.mq.edu.au

General [email protected] [email protected]

Macquarie UniversityPhone +61(0)2 9850 7111www.mq.edu.au

Workshops and Public Presentations 2007

49

Director’s Report 3

People at CEH 4

Doctoral Research Students in 2007 7

2007 Doctoral Graduands 14

Events and Awards 17

Research Highlights for 2007 18

Clinic Report 26

Research Grants in 2007 29

Research Grants awarded in 2007 for 2008 33

Colloquia in 2007 34

Research Collaborators 35

Members’ Professional Activities 36

Media Outreach for 2007 38

Publications 2007 40

Conference Presentations 2007 44


Contents

Professor Ron RapeeDirector

2

Welcome to the 2007 Annual Report for the Centre for Emotional Health. This year was our first complete year as a Macquarie University Research Centre and as you will see it was an extremely successful one for us. One of the highlights of the year was the official launch of the Centre on 16 November 2007. The Centre was launched by the Hon. John Watkins, MP, Deputy Premier of NSW, Member for Ryde and was hosted by Professor Judyth Sachs, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Provost), Macquarie University. Mr Watkins has a long history of support for mental health organisations and is a member of the Centre’s external advisory committee, so it was an honour to have him officially open the Centre. The evening was a delight and provided a fitting occasion for the beginning of a new centre of research excellence.

A sadder aspect of the year was the news that one of our key, founding members, Professor Susan Spence, had tendered her resignation to Macquarie University and had taken on a new role of Pro Vice Chancellor (Learning and Student Outcomes), at Griffith University in Queensland. As dean of the division of Linguistics and Psychology at Macquarie University, Professor Spence had played an integral role in the establishment of the Centre and her research knowledge and experience will be sadly missed. However, Professor Spence has agreed to remain as an honorary associate of the Centre and her knowledge and enthusiasm will continue to guide our directions.

On a more positive note, before her departure, Professor Spence arranged with the division for a post-doctoral fellowship which was taken up by Dr Marjolein Verhoeven. Dr Verhoeven has a PhD from the University of Amsterdam and has particular interests in adolescent depression and parent/child relationships, both of which fit perfectly into the core directions of the Centre. Dr Verhoeven begins her fellowship in 2008. We were also very fortunate to be joined during 2007 by Dr Elizabeth Seeley with a PhD from University of Massachusetts at Amherst, who is responsible for managing several of our projects for anxious children and adolescents.

During 2007 the Centre followed its mission by conducting high quality research into a range of topics related to emotional distress. This research was supported by 19 grants totalling over $5.7 million from national and international research funding organisations. At the end of the year the Centre received the outstanding news that a further 6 national grants were awarded to Centre members commencing in 2008 and totalling almost an additional $3 million.

In addition to research funding, 2007 saw the completion of 9 doctoral theses in areas as diverse as pain assessment in advanced dementia to the psychotherapeutic process in the treatment of anxious children. To complete the positive news, the Centre’s Cool Kids Program received the Mental Health Association NSW Research Award for 2007, Dr Andrew Baillie and his collaborators at RPA won the 2007 National Drug and Alcohol Excellence in Research Award and Dr Jennie Hudson was awarded an ARC Queen Elizabeth II Research Fellowship for the period 2008 –2012.

After such an extremely successful opening year, the stakes are high for continued growth into 2008 and beyond.

Prof Ronald M. RapeeDirector

Director’s Report 2007

3

Academic Staff

Professor Ronald Rapee, DirectorDr Jennie Hudson, Deputy DirectorDr Heidi Lyneham, Deputy DirectorDr Andrew Baillie, MemberAssociate Professor Jenny Donald, MemberDr Amanda Gamble, MemberMr Jonathan Gaston, MemberDr Maria Kangas, MemberDr Catherine McMahon, MemberDr Lorna Peters, MemberDr Carolyn Schniering, MemberProfessor Susan Spence, MemberDr Marjolein VerhoevenDr Viviana Wuthrich, Member

Advisory Board

Professor Max ColtheartDr Jenny LearmontProfessor Peter LovibondThe Hon. John Watkins, MP

Administrative Staff

Ms Gail Stewart White

Academic Visitors

Dr Soroor Arman, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in IranProfessor Barry Schneider, University of OttawaAssociate Professor Sheila Woody, University of British ColumbiaDr Sam Cartwright-Hatton, University of ManchesterDr Cynthia Turner, Maudsley Hospital, London

People at the Centre for Emotional Health

4

Dr Jennie HudsonDeputy Director

5

Dr Heidi LynehamDeputy Director

6

Ruth Bashert

Stressful life events and the development of anxiety disorders in children

This project examines the link between stressful life events and the development of anxiety disorders in temperamentally vulnerable children. The study included measurement of stressful life events, coping and child competence in 200 inhibited and uninhibted 6 year old children initially recruited at 4 years of age. The study examines whether stressful life events interact with child temperament to predict the development of anxiety disorders over time.

Jessica Baker

The Friendship Quality and Anxiety Similarity of Anxious Children and their Best Friends.

This project aims to explore the neglected field of the friendships of anxious children, specifically; Do anxious children have lower quality best friendships, and do these anxious children’s best friends report similar levels of anxiety? Current research points to an expectation of “yes” to both. The findings will contribute to the first study of my PhD, which will help to establish why up to 30%–40% of anxious youths continue to have a diagnosis of anxiety even after treatment.

Peggy Bracks

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Conceiving Couples and the Transition to Parenthood.

Fifteen percent of the Australian population now experience fertility problems and a large proportion of these people turn to ART for the possibility of becoming parents. It has been found that people who experience fertility problems find the conception phase physically and psychologically stressful. This study explores the impact of ART conception on couple’s adjustment during early parenthood; it investigates the effects of age and gender on psychological adjustment to parenthood (e.g. parenting stress, anxiety and depression) and psychosocial adjustment (e.g. marital satisfaction) for couples who have used ART to conceive. A particular strength of this study is that it goes on to focus specifically on the experience of fathers in order to gain an in-depth understanding of their adjustment and functioning.

Anna-Lisa Camberis

Maternal Maturity and the Transition to Parenthood

My research seeks to extend findings regarding the transition to parenthood for first-time mothers in the context of the growing trend towards delayed childbearing, and will examine the roles of age, maturity, and mode of conception. Specifically, maturity will be explored in the context of both age and life stress (here, infertility) to address the question of how maturity is related to adult development and parenting capacity. Maturity will be explored both as a resiliency factor in terms of pregnancy adjustment and coping across the transition to parenthood, and as a determinant of parenting. First-time expectant mothers, both naturally conceiving and those using IVF technologies, will be interviewed during pregnancy and again at 4 to 6 months after birth. The study will also include a home visit to allow a multi-method assessment of infant development and parenting.

Doctoral research students 2007

7

Holly Donnelly

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Self-Harming Adolescents and their Families.

Suicide is the leading cause of death in young Australians with 12.4% reporting a lifetime history of self-harm (De Leo & Heller, 2004). DBT is the first empirically supported treatment for self-harming adult women (Linehan, 1993). DBT is increasingly being adopted in a wide variety of adolescent mental health settings. While promising, current treatments differ significantly in content and structure, and none have evaluated the inclusion of adolescents’ families in treatment. This study aims to develop a DBT treatment manual for adolescents that incorporates key developmental modifications and considers a flexible structure to cater for a variety of settings and resources. A controlled trial will evaluate the efficacy of the manualised treatment, with special consideration given to the impact of family involvement.

Danielle Ellis

Meta-Cognitive Worry in Anxiety Disordered Adolescents

There is only limited research on meta-cognitive worry (“worry about worry”) in youth diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, despite research with adults suggesting that these meta-cognitive beliefs are linked with pathological levels of worry. The goal of this research is to gain better insight into the nature of pathological worry in anxiety-disordered youth, through the use of a model of worry proposed by Adrian Wells, which suggests that those with generalized anxiety disorder have both positive and negative beliefs about their worry. I will also be exploring whether there is any relationship between the meta-worry of youth and their parents, and links between meta-worry and responses to treatment. I will also conduct a comprehensive review of the literature to better inform clinicians of the developmental aspects of meta-cognitive worry.

Jeanette Fardells

Age Related Transition to Parenthood

My doctoral research project is nested within a large ARC funded research project being conducted in partnership by Macquarie University, IVF Australia, the Key Centre for Women’s Health, University of Melbourne and Melbourne IVF. The study aims to provide a detailed and realistic picture of how couples in different age-groups experience pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. My research focuses upon the experiences of fathers in late pregnancy, and early parenthood, and specifically examines the developing bond and attachment between father and child, and the adjustment of fathers during the early transition to parenthood.

Irene Fihrer

Maternal Depression and Mother-Child Attachment

Approximately 13% of women will experience a postpartum episode of depression, and while the majority of episodes resolve spontaneously within the first few months, a postpartum episode has been shown to increase the likelihood of the mother experiencing recurrent episodes of depression, and even developing a chronic depressive state. This prospective study explores the ongoing impact of early and subsequent maternal depression on offspring behaviour and attachment representations in middle childhood. Seventy five mothers, recruited into a longitudinal study, were assessed for symptoms of depression when their children were 4, 12 and 15 months, 4 years and later when the children were 6–8 years of age. Measures of attachment relationships were obtained from the Strange Situation when the children were 12 months old. At later ages children were asked to draw a picture of their family, which was then rated according to a theoretically derived attachment-based scoring system (Fury, et al., 1997) and to measure children’s internalising and externalising behaviour problems, a multi-informant approach was adopted whereby mothers, fathers, and preschool teachers were asked to report on children’s behaviour at home and at school.

Dolores Foley (thesis submitted in December 2007)

An empirical evaluation of the therapeutic benefit mindfulness based approaches

This thesis evaluated the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation in mental health and oncology settings and examined the processes by which Mindfulness has its effects. The first study addressed the benefit of adding mindfulness to an existing CBT group intervention for a mixed group of people with anxiety and or depressive disorders in a public psychiatric hospital (N=78). A second outcome study with a randomized waitlist controlled design investigated the therapeutic benefit of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for cancer patients (N=115). The third study investigated the therapeutic benefit of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for carers of cancer patients (N=37) with a pre-post design. A fourth study investigated the role of rumination in the treatment gains associated with mindfulness training programs. Mindfulness meditation makes an important contribution to the evidence based treatment of anxiety and depression on their own and in response to physical illness.

8


9Dr Andrew Baillie presents the master of clinical psychology prize to Tracy Burrell

Director Ron Rapee presents the prize for best Centre of Emotional Health student publication

to doctoral student, Kerry-Ann Grant

Amie Frewen

A double blind randomised control trial of mirtazapine during the acute withdrawal phase in clients in a cannabis dependency program

Cannabis, once considered a soft or benign drug, is now the subject of international interest with large scale studies operationalising a dependence syndrome and exploring efficacious treatments. Despite this, many important gaps still exist. 81 treatment seekers with cannabis dependence were enrolled in a four week, double blind trial of Mirtazapine / placebo plus cognitive behavioural therapy. Results showed overall reduction in cannabis use, depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, severity of withdrawal symptoms and sleep disturbances over time. However, mirtazapine offered no superior benefits, except in particular aspects of sleep. Of noteworthy interest are the results indicating a link between severity of withdrawal symptoms and changes in cannabis use. This trial offers new and exciting information to the cannabis literature and has implications for understanding the mechanisms of withdrawal. The results of this trial were presented at The College of Problems on Drug Dependence in Quebec, Canada June 2007 The Australian Professional Society of Alcohol and Drugs in Auckland, NZ 2007.

Mandy Goldstein

Anorexia Nervosa

My research is concerned with various aspects of treatment within the eating disorders with a focus on anorexia nervosa (AN). I recently evaluated a day program for the treatment of adolescents with AN running at a hospital in Sydney. Results indicated that enhancing motivation to change might play a role in improving outcomes. In addition to this, levels of perfectionism remained unchanged by treatment. Given that perfectionism has been established as both a risk and maintaining factor for the illness, we have designed a second study to evaluate whether adding a treatment program for perfectionism to ‘treatment as usual’ at an adult day program in Sydney will reduce perfectionism, and/or improve overall outcome to treatment.

Kerry-Ann Grant

Maternal stress in pregnancy, maternal sensitivity, and biobehavioural regulation in infancy

Compelling evidence from animal studies suggests that exposure to prenatal maternal stress during sensitive periods of foetal development can lead to long-lasting changes in foetal and offspring neurodevelopment and behaviour. The aim of this prospective study is to examine the relationship between maternal anxiety during pregnancy and changes in the functioning of the HPA axis in infants, which in turn may be linked to problems regulating behaviours such as crying, sleeping, and adaptation to novelty and stress. The role of maternal care-giving (particularly sensitivity) as an external organiser of the infants’ biobehavioural responses is also explored. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to our understanding of mechanisms of risk and to help identify targets of intervention/prevention to benefit mothers and their infants.


10

11

Katherine Hurrell

Emotion Regulation in Children with Anxiety Disorders: The role of Parent Factors

Parenting behaviours have long been viewed as an important factor in the etiology and maintenance of anxiety disorders. Some key parenting variables that have already been identified (e.g. overprotective / controlling parenting) continue to be explored in a range of research paradigms. However, little attention has been given to other potentially important factors, such as parenting emotional styles. This research aims to explore parenting variables in the context of emotion-regulation difficulties in anxious children. The first phase will compare aspects of emotion regulation in clinically anxious children to non-anxious children and investigate whether specific parental behaviours influence child emotion regulation. Subsequent studies will further explore parenting factors through dyadic observations between parents and children. It is hoped that this research will not only highlight an important avenue through which anxiety develops and is maintained, but also have the potential to inform interventions.

Emma Kavanagh

Parental Modelling of Fear

Recent research has documented the potential role of parental modeling (i.e. vicarious transmission of fear) and as a significant factor in the development of fear and anxiety in children. The focus of this research is to use an observational design to evaluate the extent to which mothers of clinically anxious versus non-anxious children (7-16 years) model fear and/or avoidance behaviour in response to fear relevant stimuli, with particular emphasis on the potential transmission of social fears and specific fears through modelling. The research also involves the development of a brief, screening instrument designed to measure the extent to which parents express their fears in their child’s presence, evaluated through self-report and child-report.

Amy Kercher

Depression in early adolescence

The development of depression in early adolescence is examined through the consideration of several aetiological models. Longitudinal analyses are currently underway to consider the roles of parent and child factors in contributing to the development of depressive symptoms. Parent psychopathology and ruminative tendency are proposed to contribute to child depression through child factors such as cognitive style, ruminative tendency and self worth, in conjunction with the experience of life stress. The role of personality and automatic thoughts is also considered. It is hoped that this research will establish risk factors for the development of depressive disorders, so that early intervention and prevention efforts can be targeted appropriately.

Sharon Laing

Developmental and Behavioural Outcomes of Infants following Major Neonatal Surgery

This is the first Australian study to systematically follow the development of a cohort of infants from birth to 36 months following surgery in the newborn period for correction of cardiac and non-cardiac birth defects. On testing we found a significant proportion of infants with developmental delay in cognitive, gross motor and expressive language skills. We also evaluated the effectiveness of a parent-report screening tool to track development across the first 12 months. Scores on parent-report of personal-social skills at 8 months and communication at 12 months along with factors of sex, low birthweight and father’s occupation predicted later cognitive development. Scores on gross motor and communication at 12 months with the same contextual factors predicted later motor development. Early development and the quality of mother-infant interaction were found to be independent predictors of later development. Lack of infant emotional expression characterised this sample and was associated with maternal intrusiveness.

Rebecca Loundar

Evaluation of outcomes for young women in the Mercy Ministries Residential Program

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the impact Mercy Ministries’ Residential Program has on the Mercy Ministries residents’ emotional and spiritual well-being, mood functioning, coping skills, self esteem and body image during the course of the program.

Maria Milic Novak

The Nature of the Anxiety in Children with Selective Mutism

About one in 100 children experience Selective Mutism (SM). These children fail to speak in select social situations like school and recreational activities despite speaking in other situations and being able to comprehend language. Our knowledge about why and how to best help these children is very limited. Research that has emerged suggests that SM is an anxiety based disorder and these children report high social anxiety. The primary goal of this project is to further explore the nature of the anxiety, social functioning and communication skills of children with SM aged 4 to 7 using parent and self report measures as well as behavioural observation. These children will be compared with children with social phobia, a communication disorder, and normal controls. This information will help with treatment development.

Jennifer Mitchell

How is a perfectionist created? Assessment of the Anxious Rearing Model of Perfectionism Development

Perfectionism is suggested to be an important feature in the development and maintenance of several forms of psychopathology and to interfere with the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. A valuable way to investigate the nature of such a trait is to explore factors contributing to its development. The anxious rearing model of perfectionism development proposes that perfectionism develops due to general parental worry about being imperfect as evidenced by focus on negative consequences of mistakes, anxious over concern about mistakes and overprotection from the negative consequences of mistakes. In the current project we aimed to assess this model with clinically anxious children compared to matched controls.

Samantha Prosser

Family factors as predictors of outcome in an internet-based treatment for childhood anxiety

The aim of my research is to examine the relationship between family characteristics and treatment outcome for an internet-based treatment of child anxiety. Over recent years, increasing interest has arisen surrounding the feasibility of psychotherapy delivered via computer and the internet as a means of increasing access to mental health services. Given the reduction in therapist contact, to ensure effective delivery of internet-based treatments, it is necessary to identify potential predictors of treatment compliance and withdrawal. This will be important to allow for modifications in delivery or content of the treatment to be made. Family factors are related to the development and maintenance of child anxiety, therefore parents are often included in the treatment. Given the increasingly directive role of parents in an internet-based treatment, family factors are likely to have an influential role on child anxiety levels following treatment. Participants will complete the BRAVE Program, an interactive, internet treatment for children aged 8–12 years, who are suffering from anxiety.

Emma Robinson

Psychological Predictors of Appearance Enhancing Procedures

My area of study is in psychological predictors of appearance enhancing procedures, such as cosmetic surgery. This is an important area of study given the rapid increase in the numbers of procedures that are being untaken, particularly by women. My research is looking at what personality traits may have an impact on people’s willingness to undergo such procedures. The particular traits that I am interested in looking at are body image, fear of negative evaluation, beliefs about the benefits of an attractive appearance and perfectionistic self presentation.

Lexine Stapinski

An investigation of affect intolerance and worry in Generalised Anxiety Disorder

Worry is a universal human experience, but for people with Generalised Anxiety Disorder, worry becomes an excessive and uncontrollable process that affects their daily routine, work and social functioning. If everyone experiences worry from time to time, why do people some people worry excessively and uncontrollably, and what can we do to help them worry less? My research focuses on identifying factors that maintain the worry cycle, particularly the relationship between worry and intolerance of negative emotional states.

Lee Taylor

Pregnancy and drug use: An exploration of treatment seeking women and their infants

Although the consequences of illicit drug use in pregnancy can be severe, there is a paucity of research in Australia on the socio-demographic, mental, physical and obstetric health of this group of women and their infants. The present investigation will address this gap and set the groundwork for the establishment of the first Australian cohort on this group. The study aims to: (1) examine the hospital records of approximately 120 women to gain an understanding of the maternal and neonatal characteristics of pregnant women seeking substance abuse treatment (retrospective cohort); and (2) conduct a pilot study, to assess in detail a range of maternal and infant characteristics associated with substance abuse (prospective cohort). 25–30 substance abusing, pregnant women and 25–30 non-substance abusing, pregnant women will be interviewed during pregnancy and followed up twelve months after delivery. The research will have the potential to direct more targeted and appropriate services for this marginalised group of women and their infant’s in the antenatal period, and also in the longer-term.

Cath Udy

The role of aversive parental affect and cognition in childhood anxiety

I’m investigating how parents respond and how they think and feel when their child becomes anxious. Parental behaviours that are high in control and negativity have been associated with increases in childhood anxiety. My study seeks to explore the relationship between parental cognitions and affect and over controlling, negative parental behaviours. Maternal experiences of emotional discomfort and aversive emotions such as anger, frustration and embarrassment partially mediated the effects of child anxiety upon maternal over control and negativity.

12


13

Associate Professor Jenny DonaldMember CEH

Dr Andrew Baillie Member CEH

Newly graduatedDrs Susan Kennedy and Susan Edwards

2007 Centre for Emotional Health Doctoral Graduands

14

15

Alison Cornish PhD, MCLPSY

The impact of postnatal depression on mothers and their infants in the second year of life

Alison Cornish is working part-time for the Benevolent Society in an early intervention service that provides attachment based interventions to children (0–5) and families.

Michael Cunningham, PhD

Development and evaluation of a computer-based program for the treatment of anxiety disorders in adolescents.

Michael is working as a freelance healthcare education consultant in Canada.

Charise Deveney, DPSY

Psychotherapeutic process in the treatment of anxious children

Charise is working as a clinical psychologist on the Central Coast.

Susan Edwards, PhD, MCLPSY

Temperament and environmental risk factors contributing to anxiety symptoms in preschool-aged children

Susan is now doing full time clinical work and also working part time in private practice.

Melanie Fung, DPSY

Self esteem as a mediator in the relationship between disordered eating and parenting style

Melanie is working as a psychologist in Glebe, undertaking full-time study at Moore Theological College and co-ordinating a ministry to people with intellectual disabilities.

Natalie Gar, PhD

Mothers and children with anxiety: Parent-child interactions and treatment outcome

Natalie is currently completing a Masters of Clinical Psychology degree at Macquarie University.

Susan Kennedy, PhD

Early intervention for preschool-aged children at risk for anxiety disorders

Susan has established a private clinical psychology practice specialising in evidence-based treatment for anxiety in children, adolescents and adults.

Jordana McLoone, PhD

Early intervention for child anxiety disorders: Comparison of home and school based intervention

Jordana is currently employed as a Research Officer with the Psychosocial Research Group, at the Prince of Wales Hospital. Her research investigates the psychosocial impact of familial melanoma and the coming off treatment process for children and families affected by childhood cancer.

Alison Mahoney, DPSY

The Mahoney Pain Scale: Pain assessment in advanced Dementia

Alison is now working as a Clinical Psychologist at the Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent’s Hospital.

James Scott, DPSY

The relationship between cognitive content and comorbid anxiety and depression in adolescence

Jamie is in full-time private practice specialising in children and adolescents, and is enjoying first time fatherhood.

The following students completed a doctoral research degree under the supervision of a member of the Centre in 2007

16

Dr Andrew Baillie, Member CEH, 2nd from left at 2007 National Drug and Alcohol Excellence

in Research Award presentation

Professor Ron Rapee, Professor Judyth Sachs, The Hon. John Watkins MP, Dr Jennie Hudson,

Associate Professor Julie Fitness and Dr Heidi Lyneham at the official launch of CEH

Official Launch for Centre for Emotional Health

The Hon. John Watkins MP, Deputy Premier, Member for Ryde officially launched the Centre for Emotional Health on Friday 16 November at an informal cocktail function at the Macquarie Graduate School of Management.

The Minister congratulated Centre staff and the University on their endeavours to improve the emotional quality of life for adults and children and emphasised his commitment to the importance of continuing research into emotional health. Professor Judyth Sachs, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Provost) and Professor Ron Rapee, Director of CEH hosted the function.

CEH Receives Mental Health Matters Award

The Mental Health Association NSW awarded the Centre’s Cool Kids Program the Mental Health Matters Award for Research for 2007. The award was presented to Professor Ron Rapee, Director, and Dr Caroline Schniering, Member, of CEH. The Cool Kids Program has been running at Macquarie University for the last 12 years as a scientifically tested program for the management of anxiety in young people. The Program is the focus of ongoing research at the Centre and is being used by therapists around the world.

Innovation in Services Award for Centre

On Wednesday 31 October 2007 The Cool Teens CD-ROM for Anxious Adolescents project was highly commended in Macquarie 2007 Innovation Awards. The team members on this project are: Professor Ronald M. Rapee, Dr Mike Cunningham, Dr Heidi Lyneham, Dr Carolyn Schniering, Dr Jennifer Hudson, Dr Viviana Wuthrich, Ms Qinni Yang and Ms Michelle O’Reilly. The Cool Teens CD is an innovative, multimedia program that delivers the principles of anxiety management to adolescents in a user-friendly and accessible manner. Its development was supported by a Macquarie University Vice Chancellor’s Development grant and current evaluation is supported by the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund. The Cool Teens CD-Rom is the first in the world of its kind and has the potential to revolutionise the delivery of help to anxious teenagers.

2007 National Drug and Alcohol Excellence in Research Award

The Sydney Alcohol Treatment Group including Dr Andrew Baillie, Dr Stefanie Leung (USYD), Prof Paul Haber (USYD & RPAH), Prof Maree Teesson (NDARC UNSW), Dr Kirsten Morley (USYD), & Mr Stewart Savage (RPAH) received the 2007 National Drug and Alcohol Award for Excellence in Research. The award, recognised the group’s innovative and extensive research project and was announced on June 22, 2007 in Sydney at a gala dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Events and awards in 2007

17

Enhancing efficacy of cognitive behavioural treatment for children with anxiety disorders: treating parent anxiety

Funding Body: National Health & Medical Research Council; 2006–2008

Grant holders: Dr Jennifer Hudson & Professor Ronald Rapee

Researchers: Dr Jennie Hudson, Dr Heidi Lyneham, Professor Ronald Rapee, Dr Carolyn Schniering, Dr Viviana Wuthrich

We know that anxiety disorders are a widespread problem in our youth. We also know that anxiety, if left untreated, will persist through the child’s life and cause significant disruption to their life. The good news is that there has been an increased interest in these disorders and as a result treatments that work have been developed. However, a recent review of the best psychological treatments for anxiety in children showed that on average studies are reporting remission rates of 64%. Clearly we need to develop more effective treatments for anxious children. One possible approach to improve outcomes for children with anxiety is to provide additional treatment for the parents. We know that anxiety runs in families: anxious children are more likely than non-anxious children to have anxious parents. A number of theories have suggested that parental anxiety plays an important role in the development of anxiety in children: An anxious parent may model anxious behaviour, encourage avoidance of anxious situations and reinforce anxious behaviour in their child. The results of this study will determine whether it is possible to improve the efficacy of treatments for anxiety in children by addressing anxiety in their parents. If the data show no additional benefit of the modified treatment, therapists can be more efficient in their treatment of anxious children by focusing only on the child’s and not the parent’s anxiety. However, if as expected the modified treatment proves to be more efficacious, then we will have identified an important strategy to increase the efficacy of intervention for this highly prevalent and debilitating childhood problem.

Anxiety and sleep problems in children and adolescents

Funding Body: Channel 7 Children’s Research Fund This project is also supported by the larger treatment study funded by the National Health & Medical Research Council; 2006-2008

Grant holders: Dr Jennifer Hudson, Dr Michael Gradisar (Flinders University)

Researchers: Dr Jennie Hudson, Dr Amanda Gamble & Dr Carolyn Schniering

This research project is being conducted in collaboration with Dr Michael Gradisar at Flinders University and is one of the first of its kind to examine sleep problems in children and adolescents seeking treatment for anxiety disorders. To improve the quality of information collected on sleep habits, we are using an innovative online sleep diary. The data collected will contribute to a better understanding of the sleep problems in children with anxiety disorders.

Research Highlights for 2007

18

19

Mr Jonathan GastonMember of CEH, Clinic Director

Dr Amanda GambleMember of CEH

Genes, anxiety and treatment outcome

Funding Body: Macquarie University Safety Net Funds

Grant holders: Dr Jennifer Hudson

Researchers: Dr Jennie Hudson, Assoc. Professor Jenny Donald, Dr Thalia Eley, Professor Ron Rapee

In collaboration with Assoc. Prof. Jenny Donald (CEH) and Dr Thalia Eley (Institute of Psychiatry, College of London) we are examining whether children’s genetic makeup predicts their response to our treatment programs. This research may help to identify which children are most likely to benefit from our treatment. This project received funding for 2008–2012 by the Australian Research Council as part of Discovery Grant and QEII Fellowship (Hudson). We are examining groups of children who have been treated for their anxiety across two countries. All of these children will go through standard treatment for anxiety and will also provide genetic material via cheek swabs. Once we have a large cohort, we will be able to identify specific genetic markers and relate them to children’s response to treatment.

Evaluation of a self-help multimedia computer program for adolescents with anxiety disorders

Funding Body: Australian Rotary Health Research Fund, 2006–2008

Grant holders: Prof Ronald Rapee & Dr Michael Cunningham

Researchers: Dr Michael Cunningham, Dr Jennie Hudson, Dr Heidi Lyneham, Professor Ronald Rapee, Dr Carolyn Schniering, Dr Viviana Wuthrich

Anxiety produces marked interference in the lives of around 10% of adolescents and can also lead to other difficulties later in life, including depression, suicide, and substance abuse. Australia has been responsible for developing many excellent treatment programs but the Federal Government Department of Health and Ageing reports that many young people do not have adequate access to mental health care services for problems such as anxiety. The department suggests that young people may require “creative and innovative approaches” to treatment delivery. In response to this need, with the assistance of a Macquarie University Vice Chancellor’s Award, we developed Cool Teens — a self-help computer program designed specifically for teenagers with anxiety. Cool Teens is a multimedia program that presents young people with information about techniques and strategies they can use to manage their anxiety. It provides an accessible, low-cost treatment option, delivered in a non-stigmatising way. The current research project is evaluating the ability of the Cool Teens program to reduce the symptoms and effects of significant anxiety in young people aged 14–18 years. We are expecting that this innovative method of delivering help will improve the mental health of many young people who would otherwise not receive any help for anxiety and will increase access to services, particularly in rural or remote areas.


20

21

Enhanced treatment for social phobia through the incorporation of attentional re-training

Funding: National Health & Medical Research Council; 2007–2009

Grant holder: Professor Ronald Rapee

Researchers: Dr Andrew Baillie, Ms Leigh Carpenter, Mr Jonathan Gaston, Dr Lorna Peters, Professor Ronald Rapee

Many years of research into the treatment of social phobia has seen the development of some effective psychological treatments. While these developments provide a promising picture for the management of social phobia, research needs to continually work toward further improvements. One exciting possibility for new ways to treat social phobia has come from recent developments in experimental investigations into anxiety. Research has shown that people with social phobia unconsciously focus their attention onto possible evaluation from other people. Therefore training anxious people to refocus their attention away from possible evaluation should reduce anxious feelings. The current study is aimed at increasing the effectiveness of our standard treatment for social phobia. The new treatment will combine our usual 12-week program with re-training of attention. People will meet in small groups for 12 weeks during which they are taught ways to help control their anxiety. At the same time, they will use their home computers to re-train the ways in which they unconsciously focus on other people’s evaluations of them. The results of this study will help us to understand more about ways of treating social phobia even more effectively. If the results show positive effects, they will also provide one of the most unique developments in the management of emotional health in decades.

Evaluation of internet-based, cognitive behaviour therapy for treatment of anxiety disorders in adolescents — BRAVE Program

Funding: National Health & Medical Research Council; 2005–2007

Grant Holder: Professor Sue Spence

Researchers: Professor Sue Spence, Professor Justin Kenardy, Dr Caroline Donovan, Dr Amanda Gamble, Ms Renee Anderson, Ms Amy Kercher, Ms Samantha Prosser, Ms Amelia Walter

Anxiety disorders are common among teenagers, and known to have a considerable impact on school, vocational and social performance, as well as later mental health. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is highly effective in reducing adolescent anxiety, with around 75% of adolescents diagnosis-free following 12–16 weeks of clinic-based therapy.

Unfortunately, the majority of clinically anxious adolescents do not seek treatment. Some families fear the stigmatization of attending therapy, or can’t access affordable treatment. Others live too far away from these services, or simply find it difficult to fit in their already busy lives. The BRAVE Program for Teenagers was developed to assess the effectiveness of an internet-based CBT program, which would be accessible and affordable for all families. The BRAVE Program compares the effectiveness of traditional, structured, clinic-based therapy with an interactive internet presentation of the same content. Teenage clients in both internet and clinic conditions complete 10 CBT sessions, while their parents complete 5 complementary sessions designed to enable them to assist the teenager to change their anxious cognitions and behaviours. A second study examines predictors of treatment outcome among internet clients, across Australia. Preliminary results suggest that The BRAVE Program online is an effective treatment option for families in rural and remote areas, as well as metropolitan families in need of convenient, home-based intervention.

Expressive Writing: An Investigation of How Writing About Stressful Experiences Can Be Used to Enhance Psychological and Physical Health Benefits

Funding Body: Australian Research Council (ARC Discovery Project), 2006–2008

Grant holder: Dr Maria Kangas

Researchers: Dr Maria Kangas & Assoc. Professor Chris Milross

The Expressive Writing technique involves writing about a stressful experience using both emotional and factual descriptive words utilising a journal format. The technique has been found to be helpful in improving psychological and physical health functioning in various populations, under experimental conditions. Researchers have yet to adequately explain how this technique leads to health benefits and for whom does it work best. The aim of this study is to investigate how the Expressive Writing task leads to positive health functioning in two distinct populations; (1) cancer survivors and (2) healthy stressed and non-stressed adult community and university volunteers. The study outcomes will be helpful in identifying how this task can be adapted to be used as a therapeutic technique in clinical health settings, to enhance the well-being of Australians.

Treatment of Anxiety and Depression in Head and Neck Cancer

Funding Body: NSW Cancer Council, 2007–2009

Grant Holders: Dr Maria Kangas & Assoc. Professor Chris Milross, & Professor Richard Bryant

Researchers: Dr Kangas, Assoc. Professor Milross & Professor Bryant

Individuals diagnosed with a head and neck cancer (HNC) are at substantial risk of experiencing disfigurements and dysfunctions as a result of the disease process and medical treatments. Consequently, it is not surprising that a substantial number of HNC patients are susceptible to experiencing clinical levels of anxiety (including PTSD) and depressive disorders. A considerable proportion of these individuals are prone to suffering from comorbid psychopathology up to several years post-treatment. Surprisingly however, there is a paucity of psychological studies targeting the management of anxiety and depressive disorders in this population. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be helpful in managing anxiety and depression in various psychiatric and health populations. Several studies have found the early application of a brief version of CBT, to be a useful treatment in reducing severe acute stress, as well as preventing the development of chronic psychological disorders in survivors following non-cancer traumatic events. This project aims to conduct the first study to test whether an early, brief (6-session) CBT treatment program will help reduce severe acute stress and depressive responses in newly diagnosed HNC patients undergoing treatment for their cancer. We expect that the main outcomes from this study will demonstrate that the CBT treatment program will be beneficial in reducing the acute stress responses as well as preventing the development of chronic psychological problems in HNC patients. These results will make a significant contribution to improving the clinical care provided to HNC patients, in helping them cope with their cancer experience, and as a consequence improve their overall quality of life. This expected outcome would strongly support the wider application of this brief, early intervention CBT program to the benefit of all individuals diagnosed with various types of cancer in the Australian community.

Depression in adolescence

Funding Body: National Health and Medical Research Council

Grant Holders: Professor Sue Spence, Professor Michael Sawyer, Professor George Patton, Dr Jeanie Sheffield

Researcher: Dr Marjolein Verhoeven

Depression is considered to be the most prevalent of all diagnosed mental disorders. The World Health Organization estimated that 340 million people currently suffer from some form of clinical depression, and that depression will become “the leading cause of disability and the 2nd leading contributor to the global burden of disease by the year 2020.” It is known that levels of depression increase throughout adolescence, with girls reporting higher levels of depression than boys. Between the ages of 11 and 13, a dramatic shift occurs when

an abrupt increase in depression for adolescent girls exceeds a modest increase in depression displayed by adolescent boys. By age 15, females are twice as likely as males to have experienced a major depressive episode and this relative predominance of depression in women does not change during adulthood. Many different explanations for this gender-difference in depression have been offered, but none seems to fully explain it. Nevertheless, understanding this gender-difference is a significant step forwards in gaining more knowledge regarding the aetiology and developmental course of depression. Throughout Australia, approximately 5,000 adolescents were followed over a five year period, starting when they were 13 years old. The primary goal of this study is to gain more knowledge regarding the aetiology of depression in boys and girls and to identify factors that may promote resilience to the development of symptoms of depression, as this can help us develop well-timed and fine-grained prevention and intervention programs.

Evaluation of MUARU Private Treatment Programs

Funding Body: Centre for Emotional Health

Grant holder: Jonathan Gaston

Researchers: Jonathan Gaston, Dr Bryan Burke, Nicola Kemp, Rebecca Passe, Dr Viviana Wuthrich

The MUARU Clinic now operates three private group programs, ‘Creating Confident Kids’ (CCKP), ‘Fly without Fear’ (FWOF) & ‘Study without Stress’ (SWOS). Each of these programs has some innovative and unique elements in both their design and clinical approach. From the outset, all three of these programs have been routinely assessed with both treatment outcome measures, and in the case of FWOF, a pre-treatment diagnostic assessment. Both CCKP & FWOF are now at the stage that enough subject numbers have been treated to progress to potential publication. SWOS numbers should be at this stage by mid-2008. To progress to publication, a substantial amount of data entry and data cleaning needs to take place for all three programs.

Development and Evaluation of a Case Formulation Interview to Guide Treatment of Anxious Children

Funding Body: Macquarie University Research Fellowship Scheme, 2006–2008.

Grant holders: Dr Heidi Lyneham

Researchers: Dr Heidi Lyneham and Dr Jennifer Hudson

Despite the development of efficacious treatment for child anxiety, implementation in community settings has been minimal and best efforts result in improvement for only 60% of children. This project aims to develop and evaluate a case formulation assessment tool that would improve the match between a child’s presenting problems and the treatment that they are offered. Accurate matching should increase the number of children who respond to treatment, improve the uptake of empirically-supported treatments in the community and provide cost savings by reducing treatment time and enhancing the potential of an anxious child to contribute to the social and economic future of Australia.

22

Dr Maria Kangas Member of CEH


23

Dr Cathy McMahonMember of CEH

Novel treatments for alcohol dependence: A randomized controlled trial of structured stepped-care intervention for psychiatric comorbidity.

Funding Body: Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation Ltd

Researchers: Prof Paul Haber, Prof Maree Teesson, Dr Andrew Baillie & Prof Ian Hickie

Anxiety, Depression, and problem drinking often occur together. Anxiety and depression can lead people to drink and drinking can cause symptoms of anxiety and depression. This project tests whether adding treatment for anxiety and depressive disorders to treatment for alcohol dependence gives greater reductions in anxiety, depression and drinking as well as increased quality of life compared with treatment for drinking alone. This study hopes to contribute to the understanding of comorbidity by the careful treatment of more severe and complex problems.

The search for genetic determinants for bipolar disorder


Researchers: Assoc Prof Jenny Donald, Prof Peter Schofield, Prof Philip Mitchell

Bipolar disorder is a severe mood disorder, characterised by aberrant mood swings resulting in periods of mania and depression. We need to define more clearly the biological basis of bipolar disorder to improve diagnosis and treatment. Bipolar disorder is highly heritable, allowing the use of genetics to identify the predisposing genes. Since 1989 Associate Professor Jenny Donald has been working with colleagues at the University of NSW, Garvan Institute, and Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute to identify susceptibility genes for bipolar disorder with the aid of funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council. Along with colleagues in Tasmania, they are the only group in Australia conducting genetic work on this common disorder, and collaborate with other groups in the US and UK. Their studies on large multi-generational families with this condition led to the identification in 2006 of the cadherin gene FAT on chromosome 4 as a susceptibility gene in Australian families. This finding has since been confirmed in several independent studies by collaborators in Europe. Currently the team is trying to understand how this gene contributes to the risk of developing bipolar disorder. However, as this is a complex disease, there will be interactions between a number of susceptibility genes and environmental factors. Consequently attention has now turned to the search for additional genes for bipolar disorder in the cohort of Australian families.

Unsettled Infant Behaviour and Maternal Psychological Well-Being: A prospective study

Funding Bodies: Australian Research Council Linkage Grant with Tresillian Family Care Centres and Financial Markets Foundation for Children

Researchers: Phase 2: Dr Cathy McMahon, Dr Alison Cornish, Dr Tania Trapolini:

Phase 1: Dr Cathy McMahon; Professor Bryanne Barnett, Dr Nick Kowalenko

This longitudinal study investigates the psychological wellbeing of mothers with unsettled infants who attended Tresillian Family Care Centres, a residential Parentcraft Centre which provides assistance with sleep and settling, as well as more general support for new mothers. The study was originally funded through an ARC-Linkage Grant which involved funding from the Australian Government as well as Tresillian Family Care Centres. The initial phase of the study showed


24

25

that mothers of unsettled infants were likely to experience postnatal depression. While most mothers recovered from their depression by the time their baby was 6 months old, 30% continued to experience recurrences of depression throughout their child’s early years. Depression symptoms at each study contact were related to child behaviour. The study confirms a reciprocal relationship between maternal mood and child behaviour. The study has led to Tresillian Family Care Centres implementing a new Home Visiting Support Program targeted at those mothers who may be vulnerable to persistent depression.

Parental Age and Transition to Parenthood Australia (PATPA)

Funding Body: Australian Research Council, IVF Australia and Melbourne

Researchers: Dr Cathy McMahon, Dr Frances Gibson, Assoc. Professor Jane Fisher, Dr Jacky Boivin, Emeritus Prof Doug Saunders

Recent Australian figures confirm an ongoing trend towards postponement of the first birth. This study will provide contemporary Australian evidence on the experience of first-time pregnancy and parenthood at different ages and will explore what predicts positive adjustment to pregnancy and first time parenthood as well as identifying areas where first-time parents may need more support. The study is being conducted by researchers from Macquarie University and University of Melbourne and is jointly funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC), and IVF Australia and Melbourne IVF. Study findings will inform policy and services that can better support Australian families both with planning and rearing children. In addition, we aim to develop an evidence-based reader-friendly booklet about the positives and negatives of first-time parenthood at different ages. The study will also inform current policy initiatives regarding the creation of family friendly work environments. For more information see www.psy.mq.edu.au/PATPA

Individual differences in anxiety disorders

Researcher: Dr Lorna Peters; unfunded projects

In 2007, two projects examining the different ways in which people with anxiety disorders manifest their anxiety symptoms and respond to treatment were commenced. Examination of individual differences in anxiety disorders will lead to better understanding of features of the disorders which might be better targeted in treatment. One project (conducted in 2007 by Adam Johns under the supervision of Lorna Peters) examined variation in the expression of social anxiety. Some people with social anxiety disorder may have fears of performance situations (such as speaking in front of others) while others may be more fearful of one-on-one interactions with others. The research project examined whether subtypes of social anxiety based on the distinction between the types of situations feared might be related to different underlying beliefs and expectations people hold about their social performance. A second project commenced in 2007 is an empirical review of predictors of treatment outcome in the anxiety disorders. While we know that there are effective

treatments for anxiety disorders, not all people gain the optimal benefit from treatment. If predictors of treatment outcome can be identified, current treatments may be improved to address these predictors.

Improved treatment of comorbid anxiety and depression in adolescents: A randomised controlled trial


Researchers: Dr Carolyn Schniering and Professor Ronald Rapee

Adolescents with concurrent anxiety and depression are more severely disturbed and have a poorer prognosis compared to their peers with a single disorder. During 2007 we finished a large National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funded trial on treatment advances for youth with these concurrent difficulties. This study was one of the first of its kind to examine the efficacy of an innovative programme for youth with comorbid anxiety and depression. The enhanced programme integrated key components of standard cognitive-behavioural treatments for anxiety and depression into a more intensive, family based package. Our results have shown that treating anxiety and depression in a holistic way leads to substantial reductions in emotional distress and an increase in life functioning for adolescents. The severity of anxiety and mood disorders decreased significantly at post, and a significant proportion of adolescents were diagnosis free compared to waitlist. These gains were maintained at 6 and 12 month follow-up. The project also involved the development of new treatment manuals for adolescents, parents and clinicians. Our standardised programme and accompanying treatment manuals are now being disseminated both locally and internationally, via our Centre for Emotional Health. The treatment programme has many important applications across a range of clinical and research settings.

Parent-child interactions and the anxiety-disorders: An experimental study of causality

Funding Body: Macquarie University

Researchers: Dr Carolyn Schniering, Dr Jennifer Hudson and Professor Ronald Rapee

Theories suggest that parenting styles may play a role in the development and maintenance of child anxiety. During 2007, we commenced a new project funded by Macquarie University, to establish whether overprotective parenting plays a causal role in child anxiety. Although research has demonstrated links between overprotection and child anxiety, the causal nature of this relationship has not been established. By utilizing an experimental design, this study will be the first of its kind to examine the causal impact of overprotective parenting on children’s state anxiety when faced with a socially threatening task. This study will provide a novel test of etiological models of child anxiety. Greater understanding of the etiological and maintaining factors of anxiety is essential to prevention/treatment of anxiety in youth.

The theme for the CEH Clinic in 2007 was one of continued expansion and growth. For the first time Clinic income topped the $300 000 mark, however expenditure also grew substantially and the Clinic budget was balanced relying on the use of a small amount of the 2006 surplus. Specific detail regarding some of the expansion in activities is presented below.

Client/Research Activities

Table 1 contains a breakdown of client activities for 2007. As can be seen, total client numbers across all programs (research & private) topped 550 for the year. From a research perspective, 2007 saw the successful completion of the adolescent anxiety/depression project headed by Dr. Carolyn Schniering. Both the child anxiety and adolescent CD Rom projects continued to progress well - both staying on track for their 2008 completion deadlines. In terms of adult anxiety research, a new social phobia treatment trial began in late 2007 lead by Prof Ron Rapee.

Treatment of non-research funded clients in the Clinic also continued to grow in 2007. Both the ‘Creating Confident Kids’ and ‘Fly without Fear’ group programs successfully continued after their initial design and implementation in 2006. 2007 also saw the introduction of a new ‘Study without Stress’ group program designed by Dr. Viviana Wuthrich and Rebecca Passe from the Centre for Emotional Health. This 6 week program specifically targets the difficulties many Year 11 & 12 students have in coping with the build up to the HSC. Early signs are that this program will be a success both in terms of interest and helping students achieve meaningful change. Finally, the demand for specialised individual treatment from the Clinic’s private clinicians grew substantially in 2007 (160 clients in total), indicating that our reputation regarding both the quality of our clinicians and their work continues to grow.

Clinic Report2007

26

Education & Training Activities

In 2007 the Clinic continued its strong training and education focus. 29 postgraduate and undergraduate students began and/or completed clinical training placements, of which 6 were from overseas universities. A number of undergraduate psychology students from Macquarie were also given opportunities to undertake volunteer work in the Clinic. Throughout the year the Clinic also hosted a number of local and overseas visitors for site visits.

A closer relationship was also fostered between the CEH Clinic and the MU Psychology Clinic in the second half of the year. The main benefit of this relationship is to increase skills of clinical postgraduate students in the assessment and treatment of anxiety, allowing a greater continuity between their Psychology Clinic training and transition to placement with the CEH Clinic.

2007 also saw a significant increase in the Clinic’s outreach activities, especially in relation to high schools. Over a dozen outreach seminars were given across high school students, teachers, counsellors and parents. The Clinic was also asked to be involved in giving presentations at both the 2007 Macquarie University Careers Advisors Day and Parent Information Evening held on campus. The Clinic again ran two successful one day training workshops for school counsellors with over 80 participants. There are plans to expand workshop courses in 2008 due to ongoing popularity. Finally, the Clinic worked in collaboration with the University’s Counselling Service to develop and implement a half day workshop for postgraduate students on dealing more effectively with academic procrastination. Four of these workshops were run successfully across the year.

Administrative Activities

In late 2007 the Clinic began the implementation of new clinic management software, which will dramatically improve the tracking and reporting of client, research and financial data. Due to the large and complex nature of this transition process, full implementation should be completed by mid-2008. The Clinic was also involved in pushing for a greater technology role in data collection and storage. Current processes underway include the move towards online questionnaire delivery for all programs, and the use of PC tablets instead of paper for recording diagnostic assessment responses. Potential benefits of these changes include reduced paper use, reduced file storage needs, more streamlined data collection and improved data accuracy.

Jonathan GastonClinic DirectorCentre for Emotional Health

27

Activity Type Program/Study Type Client Numbers

Totals

Child Research Child Anxiety 124

Adolescent Anxiety — CD Rom 32

Adolescent.Anxiety/Depression 20

Total Child & Adolescent Research 176

Adult Research Social Phobia 64

Generalised Anxiety 48

Unsuitable after initial assessment 37

Total Adult Research 149

Private Treatment Creating Confident Kids 27

Fly without Fear 26

Study without Stress 13

Total for Nonresearch Group Programs 66

Individual Therapy Clients 160 160

Total Clinic Clients for 2007 551

Table 1. Client Numbers x Service for 2007

28

A Randomised Trial of Early Childhood Sustained Home Visiting in a Disadvantaged Community

Scheme: Australian Research council (ARC) Linkage Grant

Investigators: Harris, McMahon, Matthey, Vimpani, Anderson, Schmied

Funding: $450,000Duration: 2005–2007

Pilot Home Visiting Early Intervention for Postnatal Depression

Scheme: Australian Rotary Health Research Fund

Investigators: Kowalenko, Fowler, McMahon, Baillie Funding: $174,336 Duration: 2005–2007

Prevention for children at risk for anxiety disorders

Scheme: National Institute of Mental Health R03

ChiefInvestigators: Flannery-Schroeder & Hudson (Co-CI)Funding: US $99,000Duration: 2005–2007

Evaluation of internet-based, cognitive-behaviour therapy for the treatment of anxiety disorders in adolescents

Scheme: National Health and Medical Research Council

Investigators: Spence, KenardyFunding: $527,688Duration: 2005–2008

Novel treatments for alcohol dependence: A randomized controlled trial of structured stepped-care intervention for psychiatric comorbidity

Scheme: USYD Alcohol Education and Research Foundation Inc

Investigators: Haber, Teesson, Baillie, Hickie Funding: $392,688 Duration: 2005–2008

The safety and efficacy of baclofen for alcohol dependence

Scheme: NSW Health Drug and Alcohol Program — Research Grants

Investigators: Haber, Teesson, Baillie, Morley, Sannibale, Weltman Funding: $25,000 Duration: 2006

A randomised controlled trial to evaluate self-help for adolescents with anxiety disorders using multimedia CD technology

Scheme: Australian Rotary Health Research Fund

Investigator: RapeeFunding: $165,000Duration: 2006–2008

Research grants during 2007

29

The beyondblue schools research initiative: 2-year follow-up

Scheme: National Health and Medical Research Council

Investigators: Sawyer, Spence, Patton, & Sheffield,


Enhancing efficacy of cognitive behavioural treatment for children with anxiety disorders: Treating parent anxiety

Scheme: National Health & Medical Research Council project grant (ID 382008)

ChiefInvestigators: Hudson and RapeeFunding: $371,575Duration: 3 years 2006–2008

Expressive Writing: An investigation of how writing about stressful experiences can be used to enhance psychological and physical health benefits

Scheme: Australian Research Council (ARC) — Discovery Project Grant

Investigator: KangasFunding: $213,000Duration: 2006–2008

Novel treatments for young people with harmful alcohol use: A trial of structured stepped-care intervention for psychiatric comorbidity

Scheme: NSW Health Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Comorbidity Research Grants Program

Investigators: Haber, Teesson, Baillie, Leung, Schneiring, Sannibale

Funding: $75,000 Duration: 2007

Tablet computers for interviewing

Scheme: MQSIS Research Infrastructure Block Grants (RIBG)

Recipient: RapeeFunding: $15,000Duration: 2007

The assessment and treatment of co-morbid anxiety and sleep disorder symptomatology in children and adolescents

Scheme: Channel 7 Children’s Research Fund

ChiefInvestigator: GradisarAssociateInvestigator: HudsonFunding: $14,972 Duration: 2007

Equipment Grant

Scheme: National Health and Medical Research Council Equipment Grant A007309

Recipient: RapeeFunding: $8,678Duration: 2007

Age at first birth, mode of conception and adjustment to parenthood

Scheme: ARC Linkage

Investigators: McMahon, Gibson, Fisher, Boivin and Saunders


Enhanced treatment for social phobia through the incorporation of attentional re-training

Scheme: National Health & Medical Research Council

Investigator: RapeeFunding: $450,439Duration: 2007–2009

Treatment of anxiety and depression in head and neck cancer patients

Scheme: New South Wales Cancer Council

Investigators: Kangas, Milross, BryantFunding: $270,655Duration: 2007–2009

Early childhood sustained home visiting outcomes at 4 years and the transition to school

Scheme: ARC Discovery Grant

Investigators: Harris, McMahon, Vimpani, Matthey, Dockett, Perry, Anderson


PhD Scholarship in Child Anxiety

Scheme: Macquarie University Research Excellence PhD Scholarship

Recipients: March, Baker, HurrellFunding: $80,000+Duration: 2007–2011

Environmental and genetic risk factors for anxiety disorders in children

Scheme: Australian Research Council DP0878609

Recipients: Hudson, Donald, Rapee, EleyFunding: $720,183Duration: 2008–2012

30

Research grants during 2007

31

Dr Carolyn SchnieringMember of CEH

32

Dr Lorna Peters Member of CEH

Randomised controlled trial of treatment for alcohol use problems and social phobia

Scheme: National Health and Medical Research Council Project 488508

Recipients: Dr Andrew Baillie, Dr Claudia Sannibale, A/Pr Maree Teesson, Prof Ronald Rapee, Prof Paul Haber


Enhancing efficacy of bibliotherapy for rural children with anxiety disorders using child-therapist contact


Recipients: Dr Heidi Lyneham, Dr Jennifer Hudson, Prof Ronald Rapee


Cloning and characterisation of a bipolar disorder susceptibility gene on chromosome 15qt


Recipients: Prof Peter Schofield, A/Pr Jennifer Donald, Prof Philip Mitchell


Evaluation of a Case Formulation Interview to Guide Treatment of Anxious Children

Scheme: NHMRC Australian Based Australian Research Training Fellowship (Part-time)

Recipient: Dr Heidi Lyneham Funding: $139,500Duration: 2008–2011

Psychosocial group treatment for anxiety and depression in older adults (aged 65 years and above)

Scheme: Macquarie University Research Development Grant

Recipients: Dr Viviana Wuthrich Duration: 2007–2008Funding: $57,000

Development of an integrated database

Scheme: MQ Strategic Infrastructure Scheme — Research Infrastructure Block

Recipients: Dr Jennie Hudson, Prof Ronald Rapee, Dr Andrew Baillie, Dr Lorna Peters, Dr Carolyn Schniering, Dr Heidi Lyneham, Dr Maria Kangas, Dr Cathy McMahon

Duration: 2008 Funding: $23,000

Grants awarded in 2007 for 2008

33

26 March Professor Barry Schneider, University of Ottawa, Canada “Social Withdrawal, Social Phobia and Adolescence”

2 April Dr Sam Cartwright-Hatton, University of Manchester, UK “Anxiety in young children: A new cognitive behavioural parenting intervention”

2 April Dr Cynthia Turner, University of Manchester, UK “A pilot study of telephone cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) for young people with obsessive-compulsive disorder”

4 April Dr Sheila Woody, University of British Columbia “Mad, Bad or Dangerous? Studies of Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts”

8 August Professor Ron Rapee, Macquarie University “Can Anxiety Disorders be Prevented?”

5 September Professor Sue Spence, Macquarie University “Trying to prevent depression in adolescents: Or repeatedly banging your head on a brick wall?”

10 October Dr Jenny Dawson, Macquarie University “In the Wake of Trauma: The Determinants of Posttraumatic Growth vs Posttraumatic Stress Disorder”

14 November Associate Professor Jenny Donald, Macquarie University “Genetic links for bipolar disorder/depression”

Colloquia for 2007

34

Dr. Chantal van AkenUtrecht University, the Netherlands

Professor Dr. Marcel A.G. van AkenUtrecht University, the Netherlands

Professor Lynn AldenUniversity of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

Professor Gavin AndrewsUniversity of New South Wales

Professor Soroor ArmanMedical University of Isfahan, Iran

Dr. Cornelieke van de BeekVrije University, the Netherlands

Professor Dr. Susan M. BögelsUniversity of Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Associate Professor Dana Bovbjerg Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York

Corine van der BruggenUniversity of Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Scientia Professor Richard A. Bryant School of Psychology, UNSW

Dr Junwen ChenTokai Gakuin University, Japan

Professor Mark DaddsUniversity of New South Wales, Australia

Professor Dr. Maja DekoviUtrecht University, the Netherlands

Dr. Jaap J.A. DenissenUtrecht University, the Netherlands

Professor Dr. Theo DoreleijerVrije University, the Netherlands

Dr Thalia EleyInstitute of Psychiatry, Kings College London

Dr Ellen Flannery-SchroederUniversity of Rhode Island

Professor Toshiaki Furukawa,Nagoya City University, Japan

Dr Michael GradisarFlinders University

Kerrie GoldstonNational Heart Foundation of Australia (NSW Division)

Dr Adam GuastellaBrain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney

Dr. Berna Güro luRadboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands

Professor Paul HaberUniversity of SydneyMedical Director Drug Health Services, Sydney South West Area Health Service

Professor Dr. Willard W. HartupUniversity of Minnesota, USA

Dr. Gerbert HaselagerRadboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands

Dr. Nina HeinrichsUniversity of Bielefeld, Germany

Professor Stefan HofmannBoston University, Boston, USA

Professor Dr. Marianne JungerUtrecht University, the Netherlands

Dr. Annemiek KarremanUtrecht University, the Netherlands

Professor Philip KendallTemple University

Dr Stefanie LeungUniversity of Sydney

Professor Dr. Cornelis F.M. van LieshoutRadboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands

Dr Katherine MillsNational Drug and Alcohol Research CentreUniversity of New South Wales

Associate Professor Chris Milross Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Sydney & Sydney Cancer Centre

Professor Philip Mitchell University of New South Wales

Associate Professor Guy MontgomeryMount Sinai School of Medicine, New York

Dr Kirsten Morley Central Clinical School, University of Sydney

Professor Dr. Lynne MurrayUniversity of Reading, United Kingdom

Professor Mark Oakley-BrowneDepartment of Rural & Indigenous Health, Monash University

Professor Kyung Ja OhYonsei University, Seoul, Korea

Professor Rick RichardsonUniversity of New South Wales, Australia

Dr Thomas RodebaughWashington University, USA

Stephanie RussUniversity of Reading, United Kingdom

Dr Claudia SannibaleNational Drug and Alcohol Research Centre University of New South WalesDrug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

Professor Dr. Michael SawyerUniversity of Adelaide, Australia

Professor Peter R Schofield Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute

Dr. Ron ScholteRadboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands

Dr Tim SladeNational Drug and Alcohol Research CentreUniversity of New South Wales

Associate Professor Robert I Smee Prince of Wales Cancer Centre

Associate Professor Robyn TateUniversity of Sydney

Professor Maree TeessonNational Drug and Alcohol Research CentreUniversity of New South Wales

Ms Janet WilliamsPrince of Wales Hospital

35

Research collaborators

Academic StaffProfessional activities 2007

36

Professor Ronald Rapee

Director, Centre for Emotional Health

Editing and Reviewing

Associate Editor: Behaviour Research and Therapy

Editorial Boards: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy; Behavior Therapy; the Clinical Psychologist; Journal of Behavior Therapy & Experimental Psychiatry; Early Intervention in Psychiatry

External Grant Reviews: Australian Research Council; Canadian Medical Research Council; Dutch Health Care Efficiency Program; Medical Research Council (UK); National Health and Medical Research Council; Research Grants Council of Hong Kong; Swiss National Science Foundation; Welcome Trust (UK).

External Committee Roles

World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, Barcelona, Spain, July, 2007 (Scientific Committee and Australian Representative).Scientific Advisory Board — Swiss Etiological Study of Adjustment and Mental Health. Grants Committee — Australian Rotary Health Research Fund Panel.Honorary Advisor — Chinese Association for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

Dr Jennie Hudson

Deputy Director, Centre for Emotional Health


Editorial Boards: Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Science and Practice

Manuscript Reviews: Behaviour Research and Therapy; Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology; Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology; Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology; Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review; Cognition and Emotion; Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy; Clinical PsychologistGrant Reviews: Australian Research Council — International Reader; Israel Science Foundation (2007)


Program Committee Member 2007 Philadelphia Convention Program Committee

Other

Website development/maintenance for the Child and Adolescent Anxiety Special Interest Group, Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

External Examination: DPsych University of Sydney; PhD University of New South Wales; Masters theses James Cook University

Dr Heidi Lyneham

Deputy Director, Centre for Emotional Health


Manuscript Reviews: Acta Neuropsychiatrica; Cognitive Behavioral Practice; Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology

Grant Review: NSW Institute of Psychiatry

Dr Andrew Baillie

Member, Centre for Emotional Health


Editorial Board: Journal of Anxiety DisordersManuscript Reviews: Australian Psychologist; BMC Psychiatry; Clinical Evidence; The Clinical Psychologist


Member Anxiety Disorders Advisory Committee for Mental Health Association of NSW

Other

Chair Rod Power Psychology Clinic Management Committee

Associate Professor Jenny Donald



Manuscript Reviews: Biological Psychiatry

Grant Reviews: National Health & Medical Research Council

37


Member of national executive committee of Genetics Society of Australasia

Other

Examiner in genetics for Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Board of CensorsExternal examiner PhD thesis University of Queensland

Dr Amanda Gamble



Consultant to committee: School-link training phase 5; cross-cultural issues in the treatment of adolescent anxiety.


Manuscript Review: Behaviour Research & Therapy

Mr Jonathan Gaston



Co-founder and Organising Committee Member, Anxiety Practitioners Network

Dr Maria Kangas



Co-Editor Australian Journal of Counselling Psychologist

Editorial Board: Australian Psychologist

Manuscript Reviews: Annals of Behavioral Medicine; Australian Journal of Counselling Psychologist; Australian Journal of Psychology; Clinical Psychologist; Professional Psychology: Research and Practice; Psychological Medicine

Grant Reviews: Australian Research Council; Anthony Marchionne Foundation, USA

Dr Cathy McMahon



Manuscript Reviews: Journal of Affective Disorders; Human Reproduction; Fertility and Sterility; Journal of Clinical Child Psychology; Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences; Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry; Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology; Early Human Development; Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology; European Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Child Development


Steering Committee: Mothering at a Distance NSW Department of Community Services and University of Technology, SydneyResearch Committee: Tresillian Family Care Centres Home Visiting Program

Dr Lorna Peters



Manuscript Reviews: Behaviour Research and Therapy; European Journal of Psychological Assessment; Journal of Abnormal Psychology; Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology

Other

Deputy Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University

Dr Carolyn Schniering



Manuscript Review: Journal of Abnormal Child PsychologyGrant Review: ZonMw (Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development)

Professor Sue Spence



Editorial Board, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2006–presentEditorial Board, Behaviour Research and Therapy, 2002–presentEditorial Advisory Board, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 1988–presentEditorial Board, Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 1988–present


Member, National Health and Medical Research Council (NH&MRC) Mental Health Working Group, 2001–present

Member of Academic Board, University of Queensland, 2001–present

Other

Fellow, Australian Psychological SocietyFellow, British Psychological SocietyFellow, Academy of the Social Sciences of AustraliaFounding Fellow, Academy of Cognitive Therapy

Dr Marjolein Verhoeven

Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Member, Centre for Emotional Health


Manuscript Reviews: Journal of Family Psychology; Journal of Family Issues; Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry

Dr Viviana Wuthrich

Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Member, Centre for Emotional Health


Manuscript Reviews: Journal of Clinical Child;Adolescent Psychology; Psychiatry Research

Media for 2007

38

DATE NAME MEDIA TITLE

JANUARY Jonathan Gaston Postgrad and beyond Fly Without fear

APRIL Cathy McMahon Australian Doctor Psychosocial Adjustment to Assisted Reproduction Technology

Jonathan Gaston PR and Marketing Unit

Macquarie University initiative takes the fear out of flying

Carolyn Schniering

ABC TV Peer Pressure

School Torque

MAY Ron Rapee Readers’ Digest Shyness

Jonathan Gaston Macquarie Uni News Helping anxious young people

JUNE Cathy McMahon The Western Mail, Cardiff, UK

Older mothers

Ron Rapee Sun Herald Growing Pains

Ron Rapee Daily Telegraph Anxiety at age 2

JULY Cathy McMahon SMH Embryo Donation, ‘Essential’ liftout

Viviana Wuthrich ABC Newcastle Anxiety in Preschoolers

Viviana Wuthrich ABC Orange Teenage Anxiety and the Cool Teens Project

Jonathan Gaston Sydney Morning Herald

Teens stressed out

Jonathan Gaston Launceston Examiner Aussie teens a stressed out lot

Jonathan Gaston The NZ Herald Depression, anxiety dog modern teens

Jonathan Gaston Maitland Mercury Australian teens a stressed out lot

Jonathan Gaston Illawarra Mercury Stressful time for Generation Angst

Jonathan Gaston Cairns Post Teenagers STRESSING out

AUGUST Ron Rapee ABC Perth Fears and Phobias (for Science Week — prerecorded)

Jonathan Gaston Brisbane Courier Mail Generation V for vulnerable

Ron Rapee ABC 774 Melbourne Fear

Ron Rapee 2WS National Fear Survey

Ron Rapee FM104.7 Canberra National Fear Survey

Ron Rapee Cruise Adelaide Fear

Ron Rapee Gold FM 104.3 Melbourne

Fear

Ron Rapee MIX FM Adelaide Fear

SEPTEMBER Jonathan Gaston Postgrad and beyond Reducing academic procrastination

Jonathan Gaston Newcastle Herald Teens fall victim to anxiety

NOVEMBER Ron Rapee Podcasts, Royal College of Psychiatrists — Britain

Treatment of Social Phobia and Nature and treatment of child anxiety

Ron Rapee The Macquarie Globe Anxiety work with children acknowledged

DECEMBER Jonathan Gaston SMH, Essential Health Shakes on a plane

Jennifer Mitchell The Australian Professional Doctorates

39

Professor Sue SpenceMember of CEH

Dr Viviana Wuthrich Member of CEH

40

Abbott, M.J., & Rapee, R.M.(in press). Rumination in response to social threat, physical threat and depression-related events. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry.

Cornish, A., McMahon, C., Ungerer, J. (in press) Postnatal depression and the quality of mother-infant interactions during the second year of life. Australian Journal of Psychology.

Cunningham, M.J., Donovan, C.L., & March, S. (in press). Developing and Delivering Computer-based CBT for Anxiety Disorders in Young People. In D. Einstein, (Ed). Innovations and Advances in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Sydney: Australian Academic Press

Dubi, K., Emerton, J., Rapee, R., & Schniering, C. (in press). Maternal modelling and the acquisition of fear and avoidance in toddlers: Influence of stimulus preparedness and temperament. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology.

Dunphy, R., & Schniering, C. (in press). The experience of counselling the bereaved. Humanistic Psychology.

Fullerton, J M., Liu Z, Badenhop R F., Scimone A, Blair I P., Van Herten M, Donald J A., Mitchell P B., Schofield P R., (in press). Genome screen of 15 Australian bipolar affective disorder pedigrees supports previously identified loci for bipolar susceptibility genes. Psychiatric Genetics

Grant, K-A., McMahon, C., & Austin, M,-P. (in press). Maternal anxiety during the transition to parenthood: A prospective study. Journal of Affective Disorders.

Hudson, J.L., & Rapee, R.M. (in press). Familial and social environments in the etiology and maintenance of anxiety disorders. In A. Martin & M. Stein (Eds.). Handbook of Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders. Oxford University Press. Hudson, J.L., Comer, J.C., Kendall, P.C. (in press). Parental responses to positive and negative emotions in anxious and non-anxious children. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology.

Johnson, N., McMahon, C. (in press). Sleep Problems in Preschool Aged Children. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

Kendall, P. K., Hudson, J.L., Flannery-Schroeder, E., Gosch, E., & Suveg, C. (in press). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disordered youth: A randomized clinical trial evaluating child and family modalities. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.

Mahoney, A. E. J. , & Peters, L. (in press) The Mahoney Pain Scale: Examining pain and agitation in advanced dementia. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementias.

McArthur, G.M, Ellis, D., Atkinson, C., & Coltheart, M. (in press) Auditory and speech processing deficits in children with reading and language impairments: Can they (and should they) be fixed? Cognition.

McCarthy, M. & McMahon, C. (in press) Acceptance and experience of treatment for postnatal depression in a community mental health setting. Health Care for Women International.

McMahon, C., & Saunders D. (in press) Attitudes of couples with stored frozen embryos to conditional embryo donation. Fertility and Sterility.

McMahon, C., Trapolini, T., & Barnett, B., (in press) Maternal state of mind regarding attachment predicts persistence of postnatal depression in the preschool years. Journal of Affective Disorders.

Trapolini, T., Ungerer, J., & McMahon, C. (in press). Maternal depression: Relations with maternal caregiving representations and emotional availability during the preschool years. Attachment and Human Development.

Publications 2007

41

Publications2007

Andrews, G., Van Vliet, H., & Wuthrich, V. (2007). The reduction of anxiety in school children: preliminary results with www.climateschools.tv, In Castle, D., Hood, S., & Kyrios, M. (Eds.), Anxiety Disorders: Current Controversies, Future Directions, Australia, Australian Postgraduate Medicine, pp. 149–159.

Chalfant, A., & Rapee, R.M. (2007). Treating anxiety disorders in children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders: A controlled trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37(10), 1842–1857.

Cunningham, M., Wuthrich, V., & Davis, R. (2007). The Cool Teens CD-ROM: An anxiety management program for young people. Journal of Family Studies, 13(1), 104–113.

Cunningham, M.J., Rapee, R.M., & Lyneham, H.J. (2007). Overview of the Cool Teens CD-ROM for anxiety disorders in adolescents. The Behavior Therapist, 30, 15-19.

de Brouwer APM, Williams KL, Duley JA, van Kuilenburg ABP, Nabuurs SB, Egmont-Petersen M, Lugtenberg D, Zoetekouw L, Banning MJG, Roeffen M, Hamel BCJ, Weaving L, Ouvrier RA, Donald JA, Ron A. Wevers RA, Christodoulou J, and van Bokhoven H., (2007). Arts Syndrome Is Caused by Loss-of-Function Mutations in PRPS1. American Journal of Human Genetics 81:507–518.

Egliston, K.A., McMahon, C., & Austin, M-P. (2007). Stress in Pregnancy and Infant HPA Axis Function: Conceptual and Methodological Issues Relating to the Use of Salivary Cortisol as an Outcome Measure. Psychoneuroendicrinology, 32, 1–13.

Egliston, K-A., & Rapee, R.M. (2007) Inhibition of fear acquisition in toddlers following positive modelling by their mothers. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 45, 1871–1882.

Guastella, A., Richardson, R., Lovibond, P., Rapee, R., Gaston, J., Mitchell, P., & Dadds, M. (2007) A randomized controlled trial of d-cycloserine enhancement of exposure therapy for social phobia. Biological Psychiatry. 63, 544–549

Hardwick SA, Reuter K, Williamson SL, Vasudevan V, Donald J, Slater K, Bennetts B, Bebbington A, Leonard H, Williams SR, Smith RL, Cloosterman D and Christodoulou J., (2007). Delineation of large deletions of the MECP2 gene in Rett syndrome patients, including a familial case with a male proband. European Journal of Human Genetics 15: 1218–1229.

Hudson, J.L., Lyneham, H.J. & Rapee, R.M. (2007). Social Anxiety. In A. Eisen (Ed.) Clinical handbook of childhood behavioral problems: Case formulation and step-by-step treatment programs. Guilford Press: New York pp. 53–102.

Hutchinson, D., & Rapee, R.M. (2007). Do friends share similar body image and eating problems? The role of social networks and peer influences in early adolescence. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 45(7) 1557–1577.

Kenardy, J., Smith, A., Spence, S. H., Lilley, P.R., Newcombe, P., Dob, R., et al. (2007). Dissociation in children’s trauma narratives: An exploratory investigation. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 21(3), 456–466.

Kenardy, Justin; Smith, Andrea; Spence, Susan H; Lilley, Peta-Rochelle; Newcombe, Peter; Dob, Rian; Robinson, Susan. (2007). Dissociation in children’s trauma narratives: An exploratory investigation. Journal of Anxiety Disorders. 21(3) 456–466.

42

Kim, J., Rapee, R.M., & Gaston, J.E. (2007). Symptoms of offensive type Taijin-Kyofusho among Australian social phobics. Depression and Anxiety, 0, 1–8.

Laing, S., Badawi, N., Spence, K., Hardy, H., Walker, K., & Ungerer, J., (2007). Parent report of temperament and early development following major neonatal surgery. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. Vol 43, Supplement 1, April 2007, A123

Lyneham HJ & Rapee RM (2007). Childhood Anxiety in Rural and Urban Areas: Presentation, Impact and Help Seeking. Australian Journal of Psychology, 59: 108–118

Lyneham HJ, Abbott MJ, Rapee RM (2007). Inter-rater Reliability of the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for DSM-IV: Child and Parent Version. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 46: 731–737

Masih, S., Spence, S. H., & Oei, T. P. S. (2007). Sociotropic and Autonomous Personality and Stressful Life Events as Predictors of Depressive Symptoms in the Postpartum Period. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 31(4), 483–502

McMahon CA. Gibson FL. Allen JL. Saunders D. (2007). Psychosocial adjustment during pregnancy for older couples conceiving through assisted reproductive technology. Human Reproduction. 22(4): 1168–74.

Merry, S.H. & Spence, S.H. (2007). Attempting to prevent depression in youth: a systematic review of the evidence. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 1(1), 128–137.

Murrihy, R., Wheatley, A., Van Kessel, J., Wuthrich, V., Remond, L., Tuqiri, R., Dadds, M., & Kidman, A. (2007) Aggression management training for oppositional adolescents in Behavioural Schools: Pilot trial of a CBT-based intervention. Australian Journal of Psychology: Combined Abstracts of 2007 Australian Psychology Conferences, 59(Supp), 318.

Rapee, R.M., Abbott, M.J., Baillie, A.J. & Gaston, J.E. (2007). Treatment of social phobia through pure self-help and therapist-augmented self-help. British Journal of Psychiatry, 191, 246–252.

Schniering CA & Lyneham HJ (2007). The Children’s Automatic Thoughts Scale in a Clinical Sample: Psychometric Properties and Clinical Utility. Behaviour Research & Therapy, 45: 1931–1940.

Spence, S.H., & Shortt, A.L. (2007). Can we justify the widespread dissemination of universal, school-based interventions for the prevention of depression among children and adolescents? Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 48 (6), 526–542.

Sposari, J., & Rapee, R.M. (2007). Attentional bias toward facial stimuli under conditions of social threat in socially phobic and nonclinical participants. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 31(1) 23–37.

Trapolini, T. Ungerer, J. A. & McMahon, C. (2007). Maternal depression and children’s attachment representations during the preschool years. British Journal of Developmental Psychology, 25, 247–261.

Trapolini, T., McMahon, C., Ungerer, J. (2007). The impact of maternal depression on young children’s internalising and externalising behavior problems. Child: Care, Health and Development, 33(6).

Walker, K., Laing, S., Badawi, N., & Halliday, R., (2007). The aetiology of neurodevelopmental delay in infants following major surgery. Early Human Development, 83, Supplement 1, September 2007, S123

Zou, J., Hudson, J.L. & Rapee, R.M. (2007). The effect of attentional focus on social anxiety. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 45, 2326–2333.

43

Conference Presentations2007

44

Abbott, M.J., Rapee, R.M. & Stapinski, L. A randomized control trial comparing Mindfulness training and CBT in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Paper presented at the 5th World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, Barcelona, July 11–14, 2007.

Anderson, R., Donovan, C. L., & Spence, S. H. Internet-based CBT for anxious adolescents: An investigation into working alliance. 30th National Conference, Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy. October, 2007. Gold Coast.

Brock, C.R., Kangas, M., Boyle, F., & Wheeler, H. The psychological adjustment and growth after cancer. Poster presented at the 9th World Congress of Psycho-Oncology, London, UK., September, 2007.

Burke, B. Gaston, J. & Crawford, J. The Sydney Fly without Fear Program. Third World Conference on Fear of Flying, Montreal, Canada. 3–6 June, 2007.

Cauchi, S. & Rapee, R.M. The association between sexual dysfunction and social anxiety in women. Paper presented at the 18th Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health, Sydney, April, 2007.

Coles, M.E., Clark, D.A., Rapee, R., Mineka, S., & MacLeod, C. Anxiety disorders across the lifespan: Multiple perspectives on predictors of symptom development and maintenance. Panel Discussion. 5th World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, Barcelona, July 11-14, 2007.

Deveney, C., Hudson, J.L., Taylor, A. Anxiety Disorder, Therapeutic Alliance and involvement. Poster to be presented at the 5th World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, Barcelona, Spain, July 2007.

Edwards, S.L., & Rapee, R.M. A Longitudinal Study Examining a Model Predicting Risk for Anxiety Symptoms in Young Children. Poster presented at the 5th World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, Barcelona, July 11–14, 2007.

Egliston, K., McMahon, C., Austin, M-P. Maternal psychological and neuroendocrine factors during pregnancy: Associations with infant behaviour (sleeping feeding, crying). Paper presented at the Australasian Marcé Society Conference, Surfers Paradise, June 2007.

Egliston, K., McMahon, C., Austin, M-P. (2007, August). HPA axis reactivity in the infants of prenatally anxious women: A prospective study. Poster presented at the 38th Annual ISPNE Conference, Wisconsin, USA.

Ellis,D.M., Hudson,J.L., Schniering,C.A., & Rapee, R.M. Psychometric evaluation of the Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory for Children (SPAI-C) in an Australian clinical population. Paper presented at the Annual conference of the Australian Association for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Brisbane, October 6–10, 2007.

Gar, N., & Hudson, J.L. The Influence of Maternal Anxiety on Treatment Outcome for Childhood Anxiety Disorders. Paper presented at the 5th World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, Barcelona, Spain.

Gaston, J., Invited Keynote Address. Preservation of professionals – Prevention of burnout. The Fertility Society of Australia Annual Conference. Hobart, Tasmania. 9–12 September, 2007

Gaston, J., Invited Keynote Address. Burnout — ‘So you have been singed’. Health Services Union 5th Annual Health Professionals Forum. Sydney, NSW. 20 September, 2007

Guastella, A.J., Dadds, M.R., Richardson, R., Rapee, R., Gaston, J., Mitchell, P., & Lovibond, P. A randomised controlled trial of D-Cycloserine with brief CBT for social phobia: A replication and extension. Paper presented at the 5th World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, Barcelona, July 11–14, 2007.

Hudson, J.L. The Development of Anxiety Disorders in Behaviourally Inhibited Preschool Children. Paper presented at the 5th World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, Barcelona, Spain, July 2007.

Hudson, J.L. Cognitive Behavioural Treatment Versus an Active Control for Children and Adolescents with Anxiety Disorders. Paper presented at the 5th World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, Barcelona, Spain, July 2007.

Hudson, J.L. The Development of Anxiety Disorders in Behaviorally Inhibited Preschool Children. Invited presentation at the 42nd Australian Psychological Society Annual Conference, Brisbane, Australia, September, 2007.

Kangas, M., Cancer Related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Australian Association of Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy (NSW). Sydney, 21 May 2007.

Kangas, M., Williams, J., & Smee, R.I. Predictors of posttraumatic stress symptoms in adult brain tumor survivors. Paper presented in the symposium: New Perspectives on Posttraumatic Stress in Oncology Patients at the 9th World Congress of Psycho-Oncology, London, UK., September, 2007.

Kangas, M., Williams, J., & Smee, R.I. Psychosocial functioning and supportive care needs of adult brain tumour survivors. Poster presented at the 115th Annual convention of the American Psychological Association, San Francisco, USA., August 2007.

Kemp, N. & Gaston, J. Preliminary findings from a new program aimed at improving parenting confidence. 30th AACBT National Conference, Gold Coast, QLD. 8 - 10 October, 2007.

Kidman, A., Wheatley, A., Murrihy, R., Van Kessel, J., & Wuthrich, V. A Preliminary Investigation of an Indicated Cognitive Behavioural Intervention for Oppositional Adolescents in an Alternative Education Setting. 5th World Congress of Cognitive Behaviour Therapies, Barcelona, Spain, July 2007.

Kim, J., Rapee, R.M.,& Gaston, J.E. Symptoms of offensive type Taijin-kyofusho among Australian social phobics. Paper presented at the 5th World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, Barcelona, July 11–14, 2007.

Kinoshita, Y. Chen, J. Furukawa, T.A., Nagata, T., Rapee,

45

Kinoshita, Y. Chen, J. Furukawa, T.A., Nagata, T., Rapee, R.M., Bögels, S., Schneier, F.R. Cross-cultural study of conviction subtype Taijin Kyofu: proposal and reliability of Nagoya-Osaka diagnostic criteria for social anxiety disorder. Paper presented at the 5th World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, Barcelona, July 11–14, 2007.

Laing, S., Badawi, N., Spence, K., Hardy, H., Walker, K., & Ungerer, J. Parent report of temperament and early development following major neonatal surgery. Perinatal Society of Australia & New Zealand (PSANZ) 2007 11th Annual Congress, 1–4 April 2007. Melbourne, Australia.

March, S., Spence, S. H., & Donovan, C. L. The Efficacy of an Internet-Based CBT Program (The BRAVE Program) for Child Anxiety Disorders. 30th National Conference, Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy. October, 2007. Gold Coast.

March, S., Spence, S. H., Donovan, C. L., & Kenardy, J. The Efficacy of an Internet-Based CBT Program (The BRAVE Program) for Child Anxiety Disorders (Preliminary Results). World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies. July, 2007. Barcelona

McMahon, C., Changes in attitudes to embryo donation in Australia between 2000 and 2005. Meeting of European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology, Lyon, France, July 2007.

McMahon,C., Invited Lecture: The impact of postnatal depression on infants and children: A prospective Australian study from birth to seven years. Institut fur psychologie, Missionsstrasse 62A, Horsaal, 010 4055 University of Basel, July 2007.

Murrihy, R., Wheatley, A., Van Kessel, J., Wuthrich, V., Remond, L., Tuqiri, R., Dadds, M., & Kidman, A. Aggression management training for oppositional adolescents in Behavioural Schools: Pilot trial of a CBT-based intervention. 42nd Annual Australian Psychology Society Conference September 2007, Brisbane.

Paine, S., Gradisar, Wright, H., Slater, A., & Hudson, J. Sleep and Anxiety Parameters of School Aged Children Diagnosed with Behavioural Insomnia of Childhood at a University- Based Insomnia Clinic. Presented at WorldSleep 07: the 5th World Federation of Sleep Research and Sleep Medicine Societies, 2–6 September 2007, Cairns, Qld, Australia.

Prosser, S., March, S., Spence, S. H., & Donovan, C. L, & Anderson, R. Family factors as predictors of parent involvement in an internet-based cognitive-behavioural treatment program for child anxiety. 30th National Conference, Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy. October, 2007. Gold CoastPsychology Society Conference September 2007, Brisbane.

Rapee, R. Keynote address. Annual Congress of the Dutch and Flemish Association of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Veldhoven, The Netherlands. 8–9 November, 2007.

Rapee, R.M. & Abbott, M.J. State anxiety experienced in response to public speaking in social phobic and nonclinical participants: Testing a theoretical model. Paper presented at the 5th World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, Barcelona, July 11–14, 2007.

Rapee,R., Wuthrich,V., Cunningham, M., Lyneham, H., Schniering, C.,& Hudson, J. CoolTeens: A multimedia self-help program for anxious adolescents. Paper presented at the Annual conference of the Australian Association for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Brisbane, October 6–10, 2007.

Robinson, E., The development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Good Looking Advantages Measure (GLAM). Poster presentation at the 42nd Australian Psychological Society Annual Conference, Brisbane, Australia, September, 2007.

Robinson, E., Psychological Predictors of Appearance Enhancing Procedures. Poster presentation at the British Psychological Society Clinical College Annual Conference, December 13–14, 2007.

Schniering, C.A., and Rapee, R.M. Improved treatment of comorbid anxiety and depression in adolescents: A randomised controlled trial. Paper presented at the 5th World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, Barcelona, July 11–14, 2007.

Spence, S. H. Internet Treatment of Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders. Keynote Address. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists: Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. National Conference, Hobart, October 2007.

Stapinski, L. A., Abbott, M. J. & Rapee, R. M. A randomized control trial comparing Mindfulness and CBT approaches in the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Paper presented at the 5th World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (WCBCT), Barcelona, July, 2007.

Stapinski, L. A., Abbott, M. J. & Rapee, R. M. Worry in Generalised Anxiety Disorder: Avoidance of more distressing cognitions? Paper presented at the 5th World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (WCBCT), Barcelona, July, 2007.

Van Aken, C., Junger, M., Verhoeven, M., Van Aken, M.A.G., & Dekovic, M. The interactive effects of temperament and maternal parenting on toddlers’ externalizing behaviors. Poster presented at SRCD, Boston, April 2007.

Verhoeven, M., Junger, M., Van Aken, C., Dekovic, M., & Van Aken, M.A.G. The interplay between mothering and fathering in the prediction of toddler’s externalizing behaviour. Poster presented at SRCD, Boston, April 2007.

Walker, K., Laing, S., Badawi, N., & Halliday, R. The aetiology of neurodevelopmental delay in infants following major surgery. Early Human Development 5th Annual Congress on Development of Origins of Health and Disease. October 2007. Perth, Australia.

46

47

Erskine, J. & Gaston, J. Overcoming Procrastination in Postgraduate Study. Centre for Professional Development, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. May 29, June 14, October 31 and December 12 2007.

Gaston, J. Stress, anxiety and the HSC. Macquarie University Parent Information Evening, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. July 25, 2007.

Gaston, J. Professional Burnout: Results from a survey of NSW Allied Health Professionals. Department of Allied Health, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW. October 31, 2007.

Gaston, J. Stress and anxiety in teenagers. Macquarie University Careers Advisors Day, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. March 5th, 2007.

Gaston, J. Stress and anxiety in teenagers. Northern Beaches Christian School, Sydney, Australia. May 28th, 2007.

Gaston, J. Current developments in cognitive behavioural therapy and potential applications to issues in pregnancy and early parenting. Obstetric Social Workers Group, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, NSW. June 6, 2007.

Gaston, J. Parenting and perfectionism and anxiety in children. Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW. November 1, 2007.

Gaston, J. Parenting and perfectionism and anxiety in children. Department of Psychology, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia. May 21st, 2007.

Gaston, J. Perfectionism, parenting & test anxiety. Sydney Grammar, Sydney, Australia. July 16, 2007.

Gaston, J. Stress and anxiety in teenagers. St Mary’s Cathedral College, Sydney, Australia. May 29th, 2007.

Gaston, J. Stress, anxiety and the HSC. Loreto Normanhurst High School, Sydney, Australia. August 9, 2007.

Hudson, J., Invited Talk: Building Resilience in Anxious Children, Northern Districts Primary School Principal Conference, November 2007.

Kangas, M. PTSD and Cancer. Invited speaker NSW ACBT monthly seminar series for 2007, 21 May 2007.

Kangas, M., Tate, R., Williams, J., & Smee, R.I. Psychosocial and neuro-cognitive functioning of adult brain tumour survivors. Invited paper presented at Back to Prince of Wales (POW) Meeting Sydney, September 2007.

Rapee, R. Invited Workshop. Nature and management of anxiety in children and adolescents. World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies. Barcelona, Spain. July 11, 2007.

Rapee, R. Invited Workshop. Nature and management of anxiety in children and adolescents. Child Psychiatry Kwai Chung Hospital. Hong Kong. March 6–8, 2007.

Rapee, R. Invited workshops. Nature and treatment of anxiety in children and adolescents; and Nature and treatment of social phobia. Australian Association for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, WA. Perth, WA. June 1–2, 2007.

Stapinski, l. Half day workshop: Decluttering Workshop: An introduction to Understanding and Treatment of Compulsive Hoarding. ASCA, 3rd March 2007.

Stapinski, l. Full day workshop: Decluttering Follow up Workshop: Understanding and Treatment of Compulsive Hoarding Part 2. ASCA, 12th May 2007.

Walker, K., Laing, S. & Badawi, N. Development after infant surgery. Kaleidoscope Hunter Children’s Health Network. October, 2007. John Hunter Children’s Hospital, Newcastle, Australia.

Wuthrich, V., Cool Kids Training Workshop for MUARU, 23rd November, 2007.

Cunningham, M. PhD Graduate 2007 Cool Teens CD-ROM Tour 2007 Presentations about the development and early stages of evaluation of the Cool Teens CD-ROM in Australia during 2006 were given to the following workshops:

INSERM, Hôpital La Colombière, Montpellier, France (Dr Karen Ritchie)

Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France (Dr Diane Ouakil-Purper)

Universität Basel, Switzerland (Prof Sylvia Schneider)

Strasbourg, France (Dr Emmanuelle Stephane, Psychiatrist)

The National Centre for Youth Mental Health (Headstrong.ie), Dublin, Ireland (Barbara Dooley, Director of Research)

Sant Joan de Déu Mental Health Service, Barcelona, Spain (Dr Josep Maria Haro)

Allan Memorial Institute, Montreal, Canada (Dr. Ian Bradley, Director of Psychology, McGill University)

Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, Montreal, Canada (Dr. Lyse Turgeon)

48


49

Annual Report

2007

Department of Psychology

Centre for Emotional Health

Centre for Emotional Health720, C3AMacquarie UniversityNSW 2109

Telephone +61(0)2 9850 4084Facsimile +61(0)2 9850 8062www.ceh.mq.edu.au

General [email protected] [email protected]

Macquarie UniversityPhone +61(0)2 9850 7111www.mq.edu.au

Date post:	28-Jun-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	dinhthuan
View:	216 times
Download:	0 times

Department of Psychology Centre for Emotional … 2007report.pdfDepartment of Psychology Centre for...

Documents