Welcome
The Developmental Mental Health Research Group explores a range of topics related to brain development and mental health across the lifespan, with a focus on childhood and adolescence. An area of special interest is the identification, diagnosis, and management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in all age groups. We actively engage with professional and community stakeholders to maximise the real-life relevance and impact of our research projects.
Research highlights
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Global Perspectives on ADHD Stigma
Part of the Lancet Psychiatry Series on ADHD, this project investigates experiences of ADHD stigma across different cultures.
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The ABCs of ADHD Clinical Care
This project examines experiences of ADHD clinical services from the perspectives of Australian people with ADHD, parents and caregivers, and health professionals.
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Healthy Beginnings
The Healthy Beginnings study seeks to develop and implement a comprehensive model that integrates enhanced developmental screening within early learning centres.
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Suicide and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Children and Adolescents: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline
This Australian-first, evidence-based clinical practice guideline provides guidance for the identification, assessment, and management of suicide and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in children and adolescents aged 0–19 years.
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Evidence-based Clinical Practice Guideline for Anxiety in Children and Young People
With the help of experts from across the Melbourne Children's Campus, we have published a nation-first Evidence-based Clinical Practice Guideline for Anxiety in Children and Young People in 2023.
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ICHOM Neurodevelopmental Disorders Set
The project brought together a global team of clinical experts, researchers, and patient advocates with the ICHOM to develop a Standard Set of outcome measures for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Georgette Parkin
Holly Puzsar
Alma Giborski
Sydney Stevens
Douglas Russell
Merlin Nesh
Nick Hughes
We conduct research into a range of topics related to ADHD, cognitive development, and mental health both independently and in collaboration with researchers across the world.
We also conduct evidence synthesis where we review the state of existing research addressing a specific topic or question. You can read more about our evidence synthesis work here.
Research Projects
Below is a list of our past and current research projects.
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The ABCs of ADHD Clinical Care
This project examines experiences of ADHD clinical services from the perspectives of Australian people with ADHD, parents and caregivers, and health professionals.
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ADHD Coaches Survey
This study is an online survey about the experiences and views of ADHD coaches in Australia.
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The COGNITION Study
This study evaluates child and adolescent cognitive development including problem-solving abilities, academic performance, and behavioural and emotional symptoms.
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Improving Treatment Equity and Outcomes for ADHD
This NHMRC-funded program of research will examine existing practices and implement new approaches to improve access, equity, and quality of of ADHD clinical care.
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Healthy Beginnings
The Healthy Beginnings study seeks to develop and implement a comprehensive model that integrates enhanced developmental screening within early learning centres.
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Lancet Psychiatry Series on ADHD
This Series aims to provide a global evidence-based overview of ADHD to identify gaps in evidence, challenges to care provision, and steps for improvement.
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ICHOM Neurodevelopmental Disorders Set
The project brought together a global team of clinical experts, researchers, and patient advocates with the ICHOM to develop a Standard Set of outcome measures for neurodevelopmental disorders.
-
Global Perspectives on ADHD Stigma
Part of the Lancet Psychiatry Series on ADHD, this project investigates experiences of ADHD stigma across different cultures.
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The ADHD Screening Study
This study aims to improve how ADHD is identified in clinical settings. By improving screening processes, we can help people access appropriate assessment and care more efficiently.
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Evidence-based Clinical Practice Guideline for Anxiety in Children and Young People
With the help of experts from across the Melbourne Children's Campus, we have published a nation-first Evidence-based Clinical Practice Guideline for Anxiety in Children and Young People in 2023.
-
Suicide and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Children and Adolescents: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline
This Australian-first, evidence-based clinical practice guideline provides guidance for the identification, assessment, and management of suicide and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in children and adolescents aged 0–19 years.
Participate in Research
There are opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in our research as participants or community advisors. Below is a list of research studies that are currently recruiting:
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Global Perspectives on ADHD Stigma
Part of the Lancet Psychiatry Series on ADHD, this project investigates experiences of ADHD stigma across different cultures.
-
The ABCs of ADHD Clinical Care
This project examines experiences of ADHD clinical services from the perspectives of Australian people with ADHD, parents and caregivers, and health professionals.
-
The COGNITION Study
This study evaluates child and adolescent cognitive development including problem-solving abilities, academic performance, and behavioural and emotional symptoms.