Research Projects

Mum Mood Booster

Internet-based Treatment for Postnatal Depression

The Parent-Infant Research Institute at Austin Health is conducting a study to evaluate a new internet-based treatment program for women experiencing postnatal depression.

If you feel you are struggling to cope or experiencing postnatal depression, this program may be of benefit to you.

The internet-based program is based on an effective group treatment program for postnatal depression and consists of six sequential interactive sessions available for access one per week, as well as additional information in the form of companion library articles that are available for access at any time. The program also includes web support forums and participants are phoned once per week by a psychologist phone coach.

Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires and phone assessments at three time points over six months and will be reimbursed for their time ($40 for the first assessment and $30 each for the second and third assessments).

The program and phone calls are free of charge. Women do not have to attend the clinic.

This study has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Austin Health.

Fathers with Postnatal Depression

Are you a father that has suffered from

POSTNATAL DEPRESSION (PND)?

Or are you the partner of a man that has experienced postnatal depression?

This study is being undertaken in fulfillment of the requirements of a PhD in Sociology at the University of New South Wales, Sydney.

I would like to talk to any men who have lived with PND (who are currently well) AND/OR their partner residing in NEW SOUTH WALES to discuss their experiences and understandings of PND in an ethically approved and confidential study.

I welcome correspondence from those from a wide variety of ethnicities, cultures and family types. Sufferers may have been diagnosed by a medical professional or self-diagnosed. Participants must be aged 18 years or older and be happy to engage in a semi-structured interview of approximately 60 minutes duration.

If you would like to participate or request further information please contact:

Rebecca Oxley
Sociology and Anthropology
University of New South Wales Sydney, 2052
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(Ph): 0449 696 189

Black Dog Institute Participant Call

Title: Direct Current Stimulation as a non-medication treatment for depression

Researchers: Associate Professor Colleen Loo (UNSW / Black Dog Institute)

Organisation: School of Psychiatry, UNSW; Black Dog Institute, Randwick NSW

Details: Researchers are investigating direct current stimulation (DCS) as a treatment for depression and potential alternative to medication and electroconvulsive therapy. Very weak currents are used to stimulate the brain. The stimulation is painless with no known serious side effects, and the person is fully awake and alert during the 20 minute treatment sessions. Participants will be required to attend the Black Dog Institute from Monday to Friday for 3 to 6 weeks usually for 30 minutes per visit.

Participants required: Participants must be at least 18 years old and experiencing feelings of depression for at least 4 weeks prior to study entry.

Contact: If you would like more information or are interested in participating, please call Angelo Alonzo on (02) 9382 3720 or Donel Martin on (02) 9382 9261 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Maternal & Infant Wellbeing Research

"Are you between 10-16 weeks pregnant? Would you like to contribute to a world first study on maternal and infant wellbeing pre- and post birth?"

Pregnant women who are between 10-16 weeks gestation are invited to take part in a study that examines maternal and infant wellbeing throughout pregnancy and the first 12 months post birth. This is a confidential study, being conducted by Ms Sofia Rallis and Dr Helen Skouteris in the School of Psychology, Deakin University. The findings of this study will contribute invaluable information to the literature about maternal and infant wellbeing during pregnancy and the first year post birth.

Participation will entail completing a set of questionnaires on a monthly basis from early pregnancy, through to 12 months post birth. While this may sound like a lot, the questionnaires will take less than 20 minutes to complete at each time.

If you are interested in participating in this vital research or would like more information about our study, please contact:

Ms Sofia Rallis
School of Psychology
Deakin University
Victoria 3125
Phone: (03) 9244-6538
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The National Register of Antipsychotic Medication in Pregnancy

NRAMP - The National Register of Antipsychotic Medication in Pregnancy

Many women throughout Australia and around the world are prescribed antipsychotic medication to treat mental illness. However, there is very little information available about the potential effect of these medications on mother and baby during pregnancy and after delivery.

The National Register of Antipsychotic Medication in Pregnancy (NRAMP) is designed to address this gap in knowledge by collecting information about women who are taking antipsychotic medication and who are pregnant or have had a baby in the last twelve months. It is hoped that this information will ultimately help to improve the experience of pregnancy and birth for women with mental illness, and to contribute to better health and wellbeing for these women and their babies.

If you would like to register for access, please contact Jane Castles at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or go to their website.