Orygen research that seeks to identify which young people are at higher risk of developing serious mental disorders such as psychosis, bipolar disorder and depression has received funding through a fellowship project grant from the Society for Mental Health Research (SMHR) in partnership with the Australian Foundation for Mental Health Research (AFFIRM).
The funding will support Dr Aswin Ratheesh at Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and the Centre for Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne, to identify those young people who are at greatest risk of their mental disorder progressing as well as how young people and their family members understand and respond to this news.
“A few studies have examined the impact of stigma among those with psychosis risk,” Dr Ratheesh said. “However this study involving youth and families will help understand teenagers’ perspectives on being identified to be at a greater risk of persistent and worsening mental health symptoms.
“Identification of young people’s attitudes and preferences will help guide clinicians and researchers in providing clinical care. Overall, this study will improve the voice of young people and families in the literature on risk prediction, and provide tools to clinicians and consumers to manage their risk and foster resilience.”