Overview
Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.
Schizophrenia is an extremely common disorder affecting 1% of the population and is potentially preventable. We are developing an approach that combines genetic screening with clinical history to more accurately identify individuals at risk to develop schizophrenia. If schizophrenia is diagnosed early then potentially the first psychotic episode can be prevented. Early diagnosis would increase the likelihood of individuals leading productive and healthy lives. Specifically early intervention would reduce antipsychotic medication, hospitalisation and the emotional and finanical burden to
caregivers. The aim of our study is to develop a test for high risk individuals (first degree relative has been diagnosed with schizophrenia). The test would assess genetic and environmental history giving an overall risk for developing schizophrenia. Individuals found to have a high risk profile would be monitored for psychotic episodes, undergo counselling to resist cannabis and in some cases given early medication to prevent onset of schizophrenia. For those individuals already affected by schizophrenia we will tailor anti-psychotic medication based on an individuals genetic make-up.
Hypothesis
By combining an individual's genetic and environmental history profile a test can be developed to determine schizophrenia risk.
- Aim 1: Test our genetic panel on a new sample set
- Aim 2: Determine environmental risk factors such as cannabis use
- Aim 3: Combine genetics and environmental history to determine overall schizophrenia
risk - Aim 4: Predict clinical severity and response to treatment in schizophrenic patients
Methods and techniques that will be developed in the course of this project:
- Extraction of DNA from saliva
- Genotyping
- Bioinformatics and statistical analysis
- Study level
- PhD
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Contact
- Please contact the supervisor.
Dr Joanne Voisey
Adjunct Professor Phillip Morris
