Current Research

Psychological Treatment of Adolescents

Psychological therapy has been recommended as the frontline treatment for adolescents with bipolar disorder. It is an important adjunctive treatment for many adults with bipolar disorder and is increasingly being applied in younger populations. Tailoring therapies which have already proved to be successful in treating adult populations is the next step in developing an effective treatment for adolescents. This process is currently happening at the CADE Clinic.

 

To be eligible for this study, you will need to meet the following criteria:

• Have bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder
• Aged between 15 and 20 years old

 For more information about accessing this treatment for you, your child or someone you know, please call Catherine Cahill on 0401 611 578 or email jbp@cadeclinic.com.

There is no cost for this treatment (bulk-billed under Medicare). 

Electrophysiology Studies

Patterns of Neural Response in Bipolar Disorder

The current electrophysiology study involves comparing the neural patterns or "brainwaves" of people with and without bipolar disorder. Participants in the study will wear an electroencephalogram (EEG) cap which, via electrodes, is able to record electrical patterns from the brain. The process is non-invasive and works in a similar way to how a radio picks up station frequencies.

The CADE Clinic is seeking individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder to participate in the study which takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and are interested in taking part or finding out more information please phone Racheal Degabriele on (02) 9926 5292 or email   research@cadeclinic.com

 

Treatment Studies

N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC) Studies

NAC is an amino acid found naturally in protein-containing foods. NAC works as an antioxidant (a substance that prevents or slows the breakdown of other substances by oxygen). There are insufficient levels of antioxidants in individuals suffering from bipolar disorder or unipolar depression. The lack of antioxidants is thought to be the development of the disease and therefore the purpose of this trial is to research the benefits of adding NAC to the usual treatment in people who suffer from bipolar disorder or unipolar depression.

It is not necessary for participants to change or stop their current treatment regime in order to take part in the study.

We have reached the required number of participants with bipolar disorder.  We currently require participation only from individuals with depression.

This study is funded by the Stanley Medical Research Institute and the CADE Clinic is the only Sydney-based site for this multi-centre trial.

To be eligible for these studies you need to meet the following criteria:

• Aged over 18
• DSM-IV diagnosis of major depressive disorder
• Current symptoms of depression
• Consent to the study and compliance with the study procedures
• Stable therapy for at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the study 

 

If you would like to participate in the study or would like further information please call Michelle Tanious on (02) 9926 5614 or email  nacstudy@cadeclinic.com

  

 

Neuroimaging Studies

Alcohol Study

The CADE Clinic conducted a research study investigating how alcohol affects brain function of young women who binge drink, compared to light drinkers.

The study involved women aged 18 - 25 years who consumed six or more alcoholic drinks in a row on most weekends.

Click here to read the newspaper article published in the North Shore Times about the study.