Mental Health and Nutrition Research
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Mental Health and Nutrition Research |
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1. Effect of a Nutritional Supplement on Attention and Mood in Adults with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
What is the purpose of the study? The purpose of the current study is to conduct a randomised contro trial (RCT) to examine the helpfulness of this nutritional supplement in the treatment of adults with ADHD. Participants with ADHD take part in a 16-week trial. For the first eight weeks of the study, participants are randomly (i.e., like the toss of a coin) assigned to either the micronutrient pill group or the placebo pill group. For the following eight weeks, participants take part in an open-label (i.e., participants know what they are taking) trial. Blood and urine tests are taken at three times during the study to monitor participants’ safety. Measures of ADHD symptoms, mood, and pill compliance are taken throughout the study. Participants also take part in some activities to measure brain functioning and processing pre-randomisation and following the RCT phase of the study in order for researchers to examine the impact of the micronutrients on brain processing. What would you have to do? Details of the current study Further Information Investigators Associate Professor Julia Rucklidge, Dr Anna Boggis, Dr Brigette Gorman and Assoc Prof Chris Frampton. For further information contact: Brigette Gorman Click to email Phone: 64-3-364-2987 ext. 7191 |
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2. Examination of Micronutrients for Children: their ingredients, the parents who purchase them, and the role they play in psychological well-being.
What is the purpose of the study? To better understand parent’s motivations when giving their child a micronutrient supplement, and the factors that influence their purchasing of micronutrient supplements. Any questions, feel free to contact either of the primary researchers. What would you have to do? We are looking for parents with children under the age of 18 to complete a FIVE minute survey to better understand why parents purchase micro-nutrient supplements for their children. This survey has ethics approval from the Human Ethics Committee at the University of Canterbury, does not ask questions of a deeply personal nature, and is completely anonymous. All survey participants are offered the chance to enter the draw for one of three $100 supermarket vouchers upon completion of the survey. Click on the follow weblink to complete the survey: http://canterbury.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_efIyUWok7Kvas3q Investigators Amy Harris, Associate Professor Julia Rucklidge and Professor Ian Shaw |
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3. Investigation into the effect of a nutritional supplement on mood and behaviour in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with mood dysregulation: a pilot study using single case ABAB design.
What we are looking for:
The study runs for about 6 months. Children will be given the micronutrients for 8 weeks, then have 4 weeks off the micronutrients, a further 8 weeks on the micronutrients and a final 4 weeks off. They will be met about once every two weeks at the University. We try to get teacher ratings as well. Investigators Heather Gordon, Associate Professor Julia Rucklidge and Associate Professor Neville Blampied Click here for the information sheet |
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4. A pilot investigation into the effect of micronutrients on anxiety and stress in Canterbury children: a multiple baseline design.
What we are looking for:
This study runs for 8 weeks with a multiple baseline design. They will be met at the University about once every two weeks. We do an on-line screening questionnaire to assess eligibility. Investigators Ellen Sole, Associate Professor Julia Rucklidge and Associate Professor Neville Blampied |
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5. Effect of a probiotic supplement on post-quake psychological distress and related biomarkers: a double blind randomized placebo controlled trial with open label extension.
What is the purpose of the study? The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of a probiotic supplement on the treatment of psychological symptoms, such as stress, anxiety and depression, associated with the earthquake experience and its negative consequences on quality of life. Seismic events can cause serious problems of adaptation and lead to significant changes which can affect the daily management of your life. If these situations persist, they can promote an increase in the level of important biological indicators (biomarkers) that regulate your stress response, with consequent harmful effects on your health. Recent studies have demonstrated that the gut is able to communicate with the brain and that the consumption of beneficial gut bacteria can improve psychological symptoms and reduce the level of some relevant biomarkers. The aim of this research is to assess the therapeutic role of a specific probiotic formula in treating these stress-related symptoms. What we are looking for: We are looking for adult people (over 16 years of age) who live in the Canterbury region and suffer from post-quake emotional symptoms. The trial will last 8 weeks and participants will be randomly allocated to either the probiotic group or the placebo group. The study will require the completion of self-report questionnaires and the collection of saliva and blood samples at the beginning and at the end of the trial. It will be followed by an open-label extension of the same duration (8 weeks), during which participants will know they are taking the probiotic supplement. Investigators Daniela Fantone, Associate Professor Julia Rucklidge, Dr. Roeline Kuijer and Dr. Anna Boggis |
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For further information contact:
Julia Rucklidge, PhD Click to email Phone: 64-3-364-2987 ext. 7959 Department of Psychology University of Canterbury Private Bag 4800 Christchurch New Zealand |
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All our studies have ethical approval from the University of Canterbury Human Ethics Committee and the Lower South Regional Ethics Committee.
Our funding sources include: Vic Davis Memorial Trust, the University of Canterbury and a private donation from Marie Lockie. |