The Australian Psychological Society (APS) welcomes Health Minister Greg Hunt's announcement of $5 million funding for seven new psychological research projects that will aim to reduce depression, anxiety and suicide in older Australians.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and beyondblue will each provide $2.5 million to fund the projects, which will be conducted by leading psychological researchers at Australian universities.
APS President Anthony Cichello says the announcement demonstrates the commitment of the Federal Government to the mental health of older Australians.
“The commitment to fund evidence-based psychological approaches to address mental health disorders and issues is a very positive investment. It promises long-term gains for the wellbeing of older Australians,” says Mr Cichello.
He says many older Australians are left unsupported when dealing with conditions like depression, grief and dementia, whether they live in the community or in residential aged-care facilities.
“Older people are no more likely to be depressed and anxious than younger people,” says Mr Cichello. “Yet those who are older and experiencing poor mental health are currently less likely to be referred for psychological treatment, which means their condition deteriorates even further.”
Mr Cichello says evidence-based approaches to detecting and treating mental health disorders and issues are grounded in psychological science and have a high success rate.
“Rather than simply medicating older Australians whose mental health is suffering, we need to identify the underlying causes, which may be social or health related, and address them,” he says.
The new research projects will look at issues such as peer support, transition to retirement and social connectedness in addition to mental health service delivery in the community and residential aged care facilities.
“We are also proud to acknowledge that three of the seven projects are being led by APS members” he added.
The projects funded are:
- Associate Professor Viviana Wuthrich MAPS, Macquarie University
Translating evidence-based psychological interventions for older adults with depression and anxiety into public and private mental health settings using a stepped care framework.
- Professor Osvaldo Almeida: University of Western Australia
A trial to decrease the prevalence of depression in Australian nursing homes.
- Professor Robert Sanson-Fisher: The University of Newcastle
A randomised controlled trial of an online peer support intervention for reducing symptoms of depression among community-dwelling older adults living in rural Australia.
- Professor Andrew Page: University of Western Sydney
Evidence for suicide prevention in planning transitions form employment to retirement in older age populations.
- Associate Professor Sunil Bhar MAPS: Swinburne University of Technology
Elders AT Ease Program (ELATE): A cluster randomised controlled trial of a sustainable and scalable mental health service for Australian residential aged care facilities.
- Professor Ronald Rapee, Macquarie University
Improving health and social participation outcomes in older adults with depression and anxiety.
- Professor Colleen Doyle MAPS: National Ageing Research Institute
The impact of befriending on depression, anxiety, social support and loneliness in older adults living in residential aged care facilities.
For more information, or to arrange an interview call the APS Media team on 03 8662 3358 / 0435 896 444, or email. Find the APS Media team on Twitter: @AustPsych
The APS is the largest professional organisation for psychologists in Australia, representing more than 27,000 members. The APS is committed to advancing psychology as a discipline and profession. It spreads the message that psychologists make a difference to people’s lives, through improving psychological knowledge and community wellbeing.