Search
Research
Maternal diet, depression and antidepressant treatment in pregnancy and across the first 12 months postpartum in the MPEWS pregnancy cohort studyThere is increasing interest in the association between perinatal depression and diet including whether diet may have an impact on depressive symptoms and equally whether depression influences diet. Furthermore, whether pharmacological treatment of depression with antidepressant medication also may influence diet.
Research
Group mindful self-compassion training to improve mental health outcomes for LGBTQIA+ young adults: Rationale and protocol for a randomised controlled trialYoung adults who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse genders and sexualities (LGBTQIA+) are more likely to experience mental health difficulties and are at significantly elevated risk of substance abuse, self-harm and suicide, relative to their heterosexual, endosex and cisgender peers. There is a need for effective mental health interventions for LGBTQIA+ young adults. Mindful Self-Compassion training is a promising approach; among LGBTQIA+ individuals, self-compassion accounts for more variation in mental health outcomes than bullying, victimization, and adverse childhood experiences combined. Furthermore, LGBTQIA+ individuals with high self-compassion report more positive identity and happiness, less self-stigma, and lower suicidality than those with low self-compassion.
Research
Prenatal tobacco use and the risk of mood disorders in offspring: a systematic review and meta-analysisIt is plausible that offspring born to mothers using tobacco during pregnancy may have increased risk of mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorders); however, mixed results have been reported.
Research
Consumption of energy drinks is associated with depression, anxiety, and stress in young adult males: Evidence from a longitudinal cohort studyEnergy drinks (EDs) claim to boost mental performance, however, few studies have examined the prospective effects of EDs on mental health. This study examined longitudinal associations between ED use and mental health symptoms in young adults aged 20 years over a 2-year period.
Research
Western Australian Child Development AtlasWe know that place, location, and geography can all influence health, wellbeing, and disease, and thus are important factors in policy development and service planning.

News & Events
What’s the difference between anxiety and depression?While depression and anxiety can have similar signs and symptoms, they also have some distinct features.

News & Events
NHMRC Fellowships awarded to support child health researchFour leading The Kids Research Institute Australia researchers have been awarded Fellowships from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
News & Events
Mental health disorders on rise in parentsA unique Australian study has found that the prevalence of mental health disorders in parents of infants rose dramatically between 1990 and 2005.
News & Events
Empowering Aboriginal communities the key to suicide preventionA comprehensive research report into the high rates of suicide in the Kimberley has called for a major change
News & Events
Vitamin B crucial to children’s mental healthA new study led by The Kids has uncovered a significant link between vitamin B levels and the mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents.