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Participate in Research

Here is an opportunity to support the research process. Please consider participating in the following research projects

Latest Projects

Title:
An investigation into the cognitive effects and bioavailability of components of green tea
Description:

The Centre for Human Psychopharmacology is currently investigating the effects of green tea and combinations of its ingredients (caffeine and catechins) on cognitive function and mood. They are seeking people who are willing to participate in this research.

You may be eligible if you:

  • Are aged 18-40 years.
  • Are in good general health with no history of psychiatric disease.
  • Are a regular caffeine consumer (between 1-4 cups of coffee per day most days or the caffeine equivalent).
  • Have corrected to normal vision.
  • Are not pregnant or lactating.

You will also be compensated with $200 at the end of the trial.

Participation will involve attending Swinburne University in Hawthorn on 6 separate occasions. One session will be a practice session which will run for 1.5 hours. Subsequent testing sessions will run for approximately 4.5 hours. You will consume variants of Green Tea extract or placebo during each testing session.

If you or someone you know may be interested in taking part in this clinical trial and would like further information, please contact Naomi Perry or Sarah Benson at the Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Hawthorn. Phone: 9214 8268 or 9214 4506 or email: swingreentea@gmail.com.

Title:
Social Anxiety in a "Connected" World
Description:

Researchers at Swinburne are investigating the use of computer mediated communication such as Facebook, Instant Messenger, Email, Forums etc. by people who find social interaction challenging.

With the advent of internet based technology, a growing number of devices can now be used to communicate with other people. Communication via the internet varies in complexity from text based email and forums, to video enhanced instant chat rooms. This type of communication has been termed Computer Mediated Communication or CMC.

This study will explore what this trend might mean for individuals who have identified that they experience symptoms that are commonly associated with social anxiety. Typically experienced in social situations, these symptoms might include features such as a blushing, a racing heart and sweating, thoughts that others are thinking negative thoughts about them, or that they appear stupid and can lead the individual to use a variety of strategies to avoid social experiences. The study will explore why these individuals might use computer technology for communication, what they expect to get from the experience and the extent to which the experience meets their expectations.

We want to talk to people who are:

  • 18 or over
  • Like to use online communication
  • Feel quite anxious in a social situation


We will ask you some questions about how and why you use the computer to communicate with others, and about how you may feel in social situations.

Participation involves an interview with the researcher that will take approximately 1.5 hours. This can be done at a convenient location (eg: Swinburne University library, local cafe etc.), or by phone or other online method such as Skype or Face-time.

Further information can be found at:

web: http://www.users.on.net/~ianclark/Index.html
email: iclark@swin.edu.au

Title:
Inflammation in Major Depressive Disorder.
Description:

Researchers at Swinburne's new neuro-imaging facility are examining the role inflammation plays in depressive symptoms. The study is looking for healthy control participants and those with a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder to take part.

The study takes place over 3 testing sessions at least one week apart - one session examining brain activation and chemical makeup using a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), one recording brain electromagnetic activity with an Magnetoencephalogram (MEG) to emotional faces, and a final session where a blood sample is taken and a cognitive test examining areas such as memory and attention is given.

If you'd like to participate, there are some criteria that you need to meet:

For people with depression:

  • Aged 18 - 60
  • A current diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder / Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent with at least two lifetime episodes
  • Currently in the acute phase of the illness (having a depressed episode)
  • No sub-category diagnosis (Psychotic, Melancholic, Catatonic etc)
  • No co-morbid mental disorder (Bi-polar, Schizophrenia, PTSD etc)
  • Currently seeing a treating mental health professional (Psychiatrist / GP / Psychologist) who can verify the diagnosis.

For controls:

  • Aged 18 - 60
  • No diagnosis of any mental illness
  • Do not score above a "Moderate" score on the Depression Stress Anxiety Scale.

Both groups:

  • Not pregnant or breastfeeding
  • No history of alcohol or drug abuse
  • No head trauma leading to loss of consciousness for more than 10 minutes
  • No known neurological disorders / illnesses
  • Not taking anti-inflammatory medications
  • Have not been physically ill within the last one (1) month (cold, flu etc)
  • Willing to have blood taken
  • No metallic implants (especially pacemakers or neurostimulators) or history of working around metal fragments (welding etc)

If this is something you’d like to take part in OR you may know someone who may want to participate, please email
Peter Goodin (Swinburne University of Technology)
Email: pgoodin@swin.edu.au


 

 

Faculty Research