The Federal Government has announced a $68.2 million funding injection for medical research into anxiety, easting disorders, depression and other mental health conditions.

 

Federal Minister for Mental Health, Mark Butler, said the funding would be delivered via 104 National Health and Medical Research Council grants.

 

We need to improve our knowledge and understanding of mental health issues through research to ensure Australians are able to live healthier and happier lives,” Mr Butler said.

 

“This research will support the implementation of the Government’s $2.2 billion mental health reform plan by building the evidence base for a stronger and better mental health system.”

The grant highlights include:

  • Professor Anthony Jorm of the University of Melbourne will receive $1,638,775 for a trial providing Mental Health first aid training for parents of teenagers.
  • Professor Maree Teesson of the University of New South Wales will receive $1,709,987 to look at internet based universal prevention for anxiety, depression and substance abuse use in young Australians.
  • Associate Professor Patricia Livingston of Deakin University will receive $542,374 to look at ways of reducing the carer burden and depression among caregivers of cancer patients.
  • Professor Donna Cross, Edith Cowan University will receive $620,000 to research reducing mental health problems among school students resulting from bullying.
  • Professor Richard Bryant, University of New South Wales, will receive $1,549,875 to research improving adolescent mental health in Indigenous Australians.

 

Mr Butler said 13 specific grants totalling $13.8 million would look at mental illness among young people following the Government’s 2011 commitment to issue a Targeted Call for Research into the prevention of, and early intervention in, mental illness in young people.

 

“We know that 1 in 4 young people will experience a mental health issue this year, making it the single biggest issue facing young Australians,” Mr Butler said.

 

All NHMRC grants announced today can be found on the NHMRC website here.