Michael is an Educational and Developmental psychology registrar and adjunct associate lecturer at the University of Queensland, Centre for Clinical Research. Currently, Michael’s role as a Clinical Trials Assessor with the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research is to investigate novel interventions for those with psychosis. Michael’s primary research interests are child and youth mental health having published several articles on a range of topics in this field and presented at conferences both nationally and internationally.  Michael is also a panel member of the Mental Health Scholarships Scheme for Allied Health Professionals and committee member of the College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists in Queensland. 

Presentation Title: Childhood trauma and Psychosis: Examining relationships with other mental health issues and novel treatment approaches.

Abstract:

The effects of childhood trauma on individuals with early psychosis is largely unexplored in the Australian context. The aim of our study is to identify the prevalence rate of those exposed to childhood trauma in individuals attending four, first-episode psychosis clinics in South-East Queensland.  This presentation will explore the relationship between childhood trauma and the presentation of traditional mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, stress and substance use and also novel areas such social and vocational functioning. Furthermore, novel interventions both pharmacological and otherwise will be presented in an effort to better serve individuals who experience psychosis.