Mental health disorders
Learn about our work on several mental health disorders, such as psychosis, mood disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Psychosis
Professor Susan Rossell and Associate Professor Neil Thomas are internationally recognised for their research on auditory hallucinations (‘hearing voices’) – a prominent symptom in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Their research informs understanding of the psychosocial precipitants of voices and the cognitive and brain mechanisms involved.
They have advanced the treatment and outcomes for people experiencing hallucinations – and psychosis more broadly – through innovations in psychological therapy development with support from NHMRC and Victorian state government funding.
Swinburne hosted the 2015 International Consortium on Hallucinations Research and we have collaborated with mental health consumer groups and the Hearing Voices Network.
Research leaders
- Professor Susan Rossell
- Associate Professor Neil Thomas
- Professor Brian Dean
- Professor Denny Meyer
Researchers
- Dr Matthew Hughes
- Dr Michelle Lim
- Dr Eric Tan
- Dr Wei Lin Toh
- Dr William Woods
Mood disorders
Professor Greg Murray is internationally recognised for his work investigating the relationship between sleep, circadian rhythms and positive mood. Lately, he and Susan Rossell have focussed on the neurobiological networks involved in this sleep-mood relationship and emotion regulation and perception more broadly.
Our researchers are renowned for their investigation of novel treatments, such as psychological, pharmacological and brain stimulation, and the use of nutraceuticals for mood disorders. We have attracted international and national research funding as well as industry funding for our research in depression.
Research leaders
- Professor Greg Murray
- Professor Susan Rossell
- Professor Brian Dean
- Associate Professor Neil Thomas
Researchers
- Professor Denny Meyer
- Associate Professor Joseph Ciorciari
- Dr Wei Lin Toh
- Dr Ben Bullock
- Dr Matthew Hughes
Obsessive compulsive disorders
Several different, severe mental illnesses are currently classified within obsessive compulsive disorders: obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), hoarding disorder (HD), body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and trichotillomania (TTM).
Professor Susan Rossell, Dr Ryan Kaplan and Dr Wei Lin Toh have been working on understanding social, psychological, cognitive and neurobiological characteristics of BDD and related body image disorders. They have collaborated with the Body Image and Eating Disorders Treatment and Research Service (BETRS) of which Susan is research director.
Dr Maja Nedeljkovic and Associate Professor Sunil Bhar have an international reputation for their research into obsessive compulsive and related disorders (OCARD). Dr Nedeljkovic is also currently leading the delivery and evaluation of group and online treatments for HD and investigating the treatment response and cost-effectiveness of various modes of treatments for OCD, HD, TTM and anxiety disorders.
Research leader
Researchers
- Dr Maja Nedeljkovic
- Dr Ryan Kaplan
- Dr Wei Lin Toh
- Associate Professor Sunil Bhar
- Dr Brian Cornwell
- Professor Denny Meyer
- Dr Simone Buzwell
Neurodevelopmental disorders
Associate Professor Jordy Kaufman is researching the cognitive brain development of infants and young children to assist in our understanding of delayed development and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder. Associate Professor Kaufman runs the Swinburne BabyLab, which has received regular funding from ARC and other philanthropic trusts.
Dr Ben Williams is researching adolescent mental health issues, including addiction to computer games and understanding risky behaviour.
Researchers
Neurocognitive disorders (dementia)
Associate Professor Sunil Bhar is investigating psychosocial interventions for improving the quality of life of Australia's ageing populations and people with dementia. Dr Brian Cornwell is investigating the neurobiological mechanisms of dementia.
Researchers
- Associate Professor Sunil Bhar
- Dr Brian Cornwell
Personality disorders
Professor Susan Rossell and Associate Professor Neil Thomas have recently expanded their research in auditory hallucinations to include persons with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Approximately 50 percent of patients diagnosed with BPD experience hallucinations.
We are investigating differences between patients who do and do not experience hallucinations. Associate Professor Joseph Ciorciari has been investigating the neurobiology of personality disorders using structural and functional brain imaging.
Research leaders
Researcher
Eating disorders
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms involved in anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders, as well as the development of novel treatments.
Our research has a particular focus on the neurobiological underpinnings of anorexia nervosa utilising various techniques including eye movement assessments, neurocognitive tasks, and structural and functional neuroimaging (MRI and MEG).
Our research is also interested in the development of innovative neurobiological treatments for anorexia nervosa, including non-invasive brain stimulation.
Researchers
Contact the Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences
We work with academia, industry and government to form meaningful and impactful partnerships. For more information, please email cmhbs@swinburne.edu.au.