Mood, Anxiety and Trauma

Research Overview

The Department of Psychiatry hosts world-leading researchers who are advancing our understanding of mood disorders, anxiety, and trauma-related conditions. Our multidisciplinary team employs innovative approaches spanning clinical, neurobiological, translational, and qualitative research paradigms to improve mental health outcomes.

Our researchers investigate the neurobiological underpinnings of mood disorders, including bipolar disorder and major depression, utilising advanced neuroimaging, cognitive assessment and brain stimulation techniques. This work extends to exploring the complex relationships between mood regulation, cognitive function, and psychosocial determinants of mental health.

In the field of anxiety and trauma, our team conducts ground breaking research on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions, developing and evaluating evidence-based interventions for diverse populations. This includes pioneering work with emergency service workers, military personnel, and survivors of natural disasters and interpersonal violence.

Our research encompasses pharmacological treatments, psychological therapies, and novel interventions, with a strong focus on personalised approaches to mental healthcare. The team also incorporates qualitative methodologies to understand lived experiences of mental health challenges and recovery, ensuring patient perspectives inform clinical innovations.

Through international collaborations and partnerships with key stakeholders, our research directly informs clinical practice and mental health policy. The Department's commitment to translational research ensures that scientific discoveries are effectively implemented into real-world clinical settings, ultimately improving the lives of individuals affected by mood, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders.

Mood, Anxiety and Trauma Team

Our two co-leads are:

Researchers:

Research support staff and students:

  • James Agathos
  • Sophie Alexander
  • Jenelle Baur
  • Finuala Bourke
  • Lieselotte Claes
  • Hanna Corre
  • Paul Cortissos
  • Yingliang Dai
  • Natalie De Bono
  • Nina Ding
  • Ruben Dyer
  • Paula Faimann
  • Lisa Furlong
  • Eve-Yael Gerber
  • Jessica Hoffmann
  • Leah Hudson
  • Greg Humble
  • Melanie Hurley
  • Ariel Kim
  • Angela Komiti
  • Terry Kung
  • Alfred Lo
  • Grace Monigatti
  • Christine Raymer
  • Nikki Reed
  • Shaheen Samnani
  • Erin Santamaria
  • Zaakirah Sharif
  • Ali Stevens
  • Tilly Tonkovic
  • Lee Unsworth
  • Xinyi Zhang
Research Groups