VIVA! Communications joined forces with researchers from QIMR Berghofer & the Sydney Brain & Mind Centre to launch the Living with Anxiety (LwA) study.

 

The Aussie researchers are calling for 5,000 adult volunteers (aged 18+ years) diagnosed with, or treated for anxiety, for their groundbreaking anxiety disorders study.

 

Anxiety disorders affect 3.4 million Australians & represent the nation’s most common mental health condition.

 

The LwA study aims to identify genes that influence a person’s risk of developing anxiety, & their response to treatment, with the goal of improving diagnosis, management & treatment.

 

“Anxiety can present in various forms, & may significantly compromise a person’s quality of life, including their ability to work, socialise, & maintain relationships.

 

“While psychological therapies are usually the first, & most effective treatment option for these life-disrupting anxiety disorders, medication is also commonly prescribed. Finding the right medication, can however, prove time-consuming & complex,” said Lead Study Investigator, & Head of the Psychiatric Genetics Group at QIMR Berghofer, Professor Sarah Medland OAM, Brisbane.

 

According to Co-Investigator, LwA study, Professor of Psychiatry & Co-Director, Health & Policy, Brain & Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Professor Ian Hickie AM, Sydney, “for some, medication may cause both immediate side-effects – headache, nausea, vomiting, agitation, or sleep difficulties – & longer-term complications – weight gain, or sexual dysfunction.

 

“Understanding how DNA influences one’s response to medications (pharmacogenomics) can be advanced through large-scale studies, such as the LwA study, with the long-term aim of helping to streamline the process of finding optimal treatments for all Australians living with anxiety, & co-occurring conditions,” Prof Hickie said.

 

“Those wishing to volunteer for, or learn more about the LwA study can head to: www.livingwithanxiety.org.au or email lwa@qimrb.edu.au,” said Prof Martin.