Identifying and addressing unmet substance use needs in early psychosis

Principal Advisor: Associate Professor Stephen Parker

Email: stephen.parker@health.qld.gov.au

Phone: 0421 793 734

Organisational unit: Northside Clinical Unit

Illicit substance use at the time of psychosis onset is common. Addressing substance use in this client group can dramatically improve a person’s long-term health outcomes. An opportunity is available to contribute to a program of research that seeks to find ways to address substance use more effectively in clients experiencing early stages of psychosis. This project would be well suited to a student who wants to undertake research in a clinical setting that is expected to achieve significant translational impact. It will provide opportunities to be immersed in research alongside clinicians from Metro North Mental Health’s Early Psychosis team. The project involves a structured interview to identify substance use issues affecting clients with early psychosis symptoms and a comparison of these assessments with routinely collected medical record documentation. A range of self-report measures will also be used to provide opportunities to explore factors associated with the non-disclosure of substance use (e.g., stigma, recovery, wellbeing, therapeutic alliance, and functioning). The student would also be able to include additional measures to explore their own areas of interest that align with the project. Students will be enrolled through the UQ Faculty of Medicine or School of Psychology. Advisors will include Prof Jason Connor (Clinical and Health Psychologist), A/Prof Stephen Parker (Psychiatrist) and Prof James Scott (Psychiatrist). Metro North Hospital and Health Service has already made a substantial commitment to support A/Prof Stephen Parker’s leadership and coordination of the proposed work.