The Mood and Anxiety Disorders Research Program focuses on learning and understanding more about depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety in young people and how best to treat it.

The student will be embedded within the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Research Program of Orygen/Centre for Youth Mental Health, led by Professor Lianne Schmaal.

This PhD or MPhil project will focus on exploring the prevalence, impact, and meaning of pain in young people with major depressive disorder using quantitative and qualitative methods.

The onset of major depressive disorder peaks during adolescence and young adulthood. Pain is experienced by a large portion of young people with major depressive disorder, however, is not considered in treatment. This is a concern as pain limits the efficacy of common therapies for depression and contributes to continued depression and pain into adulthood. Therefore, young people with major depression and co‑existent pain may represent a subgroup of individuals who could benefit from targeted care of both conditions to maximise treatment efficacy and reduce the disease burden across the lifespan.

Exploring how young people with major depression understand and experience pain is a critical first step to designing effective interventions for these individuals. Additionally, identifying biological, psychological and social factors which moderate the relationship between depression and pain can reveal important therapeutic targets.

This project will use existing large-scale databases such as the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study as well as the collection of new data.

PROJECT REFERENCES

1. Cotton SM, Hamilton MP, Filia K, et al. Heterogeneity of quality of life in young people attending primary mental health services. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci. 2022;31:e55. doi:10.1017/S2045796022000427.
2. Kroenke K, Shen J, Oxman TE, Williams JW, Dietrich AJ. Impact of pain on the outcomes of depression treatment: Results from the RESPECT trial. Pain. 2008;134(1):209-215. doi:10.1016/j.pain.2007.09.021.
3. Leake HB, Moseley GL, Murphy LK, Murray CB, Palermo TM, Heathcote LC. How does pain work? A qualitative analysis of how young adults with chronic pain conceptualize the biology of pain. Eur J Pain Lond Engl. 2023;27(3):424-437. doi:10.1002/ejp.2069.

Scholarships and fees

A stipend is not available for this project.

Complete this project as an MPhil:

Scholarships are available through the University of Melbourne graduate research scholarships.

Other scholarship opportunities may also be available but are highly competitive. Please speak to the contact person below for more information.

Domestic Master of Philosophy students do not incur fees. Find out about fees for international students on the University of Melbourne fees page.

Complete this project as a PhD:

Scholarships are available through the University of Melbourne. Find out more about University of Melbourne scholarships.

Other scholarship opportunities may also be available but are highly competitive, so please speak to the contact person below for further details. Visit the University of Melbourne health and science fees page to learn more about fees for domestic and international students.

How to apply

Apply as an MPhil:

1. Read the information for future students and the frequently asked questions. 
2. Check your eligibility.
3. Liaise with and gain the support of the supervisor/s. Please contact them using the details below and attach a copy of your CV and university transcript(s).
4. Once you’ve gained supervisor support submit your application online.

Apply as a PhD:

1. Read the information for future students and the frequently asked questions.
2. Check your eligibility.
3. Liaise with and gain the support of the supervisor/s. Please contact them using the details below and attach a copy of your CV and university transcript(s). 
4. Once you’ve got supervisor support, follow the how to apply steps on the University of Melbourne website. Go straight to step three. 

You are strongly encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Contact

For any questions please contact Dr Scott Tagliaferri at [email protected].