Adolescent Depression: Detecting and controlling depression in adolescents

University of Sydney, Medical Foundation

The university's current program of research has moved to development of new strategies and techniques that can be applied before the onset of the full-blown mental health condition or to track the response of the young person to appropriate psychological or medical treatment. The goal is the development of diagnostic and predictive tools for individuals, particularly young people with depression. 

http://sydney.edu.au/medicine/foundation/support-sydney/adolescent-depression.php 

Cross-sectional study of adolescent rural health on-line

University of Sydney, School of Rural Health

Rural adolescents are likely to have a higher prevalence of health issues and poorer access to services, contributing to greater health disadvantages compared to their urban counterparts. This project aims to describe and quantify important health and wellbeing issues in adolescents in rural NSW in School Grades 5-8 (10 – 14 years) Quantitative health and well-being data will be collected in a representative sample of rural youth using a questionnaire. This is the Academic Department of Adolescent Medicine’s tool for a broad health and wellbeing assessment in adolescents between 10 and 18 years of age. It comes in two age group versions and uses branched question techniques around sensitive issues. This questionnaire has been used successfully under supervision but this study will be the first time that adolescents will complete it on line. Geocoding information on community facilities and resources will also be collected. There is the opportunity for a further study once the data collection and analysis are complete to take the information to focus groups for adolescents and their parents in order to establish community priorities and plan intervention studies. 

http://sydney.edu.au/research/opportunities/opportunities/1265 

ReachOut Pro Educational Module - Connecting Our Worlds

The ReachOut Pro Educational Module - Connecting Our Worlds, is an initiative to assist healthcare practitioners, youth workers, and those working in health promotion to better engage with young people through the use of technology. It is aimed at providing a basic understanding of the benefits of technology with some introductory "how to" exercises and practical solutions. 

www.reachoutpro.com.au/professional-development.aspx

WorkOut

WorkOut is an online program for young men to develop skills for life. A joint project between the Inspire Foundation and The Brain and Mind Research Institute, WorkOut enables the young user to tackle their thoughts and attitudes, one activity at a time. 

Through comprehensive results and recommendations, this program aims to de-stigmatise the idea of getting help and lay the foundations of good mental health. 

www.workoutapp.com.au

The Gatehouse Project

The Gatehouse Project researched ways of promoting the emotional well-being of students in Victorian secondary schools, between 1996 and 2002. This website has been developed to make research results and experiences from the Gatehouse Project available to a wide range of interested groups in the community.

The intervention is designed to make changes in the social and learning environments of the school as well as promoting change at the individual level. It provides schools with strategies to:

• increase the connectedness of students to school
• increase students' skills and knowledge for dealing with the everyday life challenges.

Website: http://www.rch.org.au/gatehouseproject/