Led by Professor Colleen Loo, our team investigates novel ways to treat depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders. We are an integrated research team with expertise across basic neuroscience, clinical psychiatry, neuropsychology, clinical policy and clinical practice.
We conducted the first randomised controlled trials of TMS (1999), tDCS (2010), ketamine (2014), ÌýECT (2014) and tRNS (2020) in Australia, for the treatment of depression. We also conducted the world’s first randomised controlled trials testing bilateral TMS and multiple TMS sessions per day for the treatment of depression. We recently completed the world’s largest randomised controlled trials of racemic ketamine for treatment resistant depression, and developed a comprehensive framework for monitoring the safety of ketamine treatment (the Ketamine Side Effect Tool). Our research findings have informed Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrist (RANZCP) guidelines on ECT, TMS, tDCS and ketamine treatment.
Our current clinical studies include:
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The CARE Network is an international collaboration involving >50 hospitals aimed at improving clinical practice and furthering research in ECT, TMS, tDCS and ketamine treatments, via the use of a standardised data collection framework. The CARE data collection framework assists services with improving clinical care and complying with data collection requirements. Collation and analysis of these real-world clinical data also produces findings that inform treatment guidelines and translation of research into clinical practice.
Resources developed by the CARE Network:
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We undertake diverse research in basic neuroscience to improve non-invasive brain stimulation techniques and their therapeutic application in neuropsychiatric conditions.
Current projects include:
Contact for further information: Dr Donel Martin orÌýDr Stevan Nikolin
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We develop novel interventions for cognitive enhancement and for treating cognitive impairment.
Current projects include:
Contact for further information: Dr Donel Martin
Training courses in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Ketamine and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
Designed for clinicians and researchers, the courses are facilitated by leading experts in neurostimulation and mood disorders,ÌýProfessor Colleen LooÌýand the Sydney Neurostimulation and Ketamine Program team. For more information visit our page at theÌý
Integrated and multidisciplinary – working across the UNSW Discipline of Psychiatry & Mental Health and the Black Dog Institute, our team comprises of researchers with expertise in clinical psychiatry, neuropsychology, basic neuroscience, clinical trials, and clinical policy/practice.
Established partnerships – our research projects involve close collaboration with clinicians and researchers in Australia and internationally. Some of our regular collaborators include The George Institute for Global Health and Ramsay Northside Clinic.
Research facilities – we have access to hospital facilities for clinical research and a multimodal research lab integrating brain stimulation, EEG, neuro-navigation, and neuro-imaging facilities.
Supervisory experience - ILP, Honours, Master and PhD students.
Dr Angelo AlonzoÌý
Vanessa Dong
Ana Rita Barreiros
Kate HaldaneÌý
Vinh CaoÌý
Lou Brettell
Echo Mei Xu
Xiaomin Xu
Vivien Czapla
Dr Clara Massaneda Tuneu
Haijing Huang
