ANU School of Medicine and Psychology

24/07/2025

In a first of its kind study, based on an Australian population, Dr Sumeet Rai and colleagues have shed new light on the emotional toll experienced by family members caring for survivors of intensive care — revealing powerful insights into a little-understood burden. https://medicine-psychology.anu.edu.au/news-events/news/carers-need-mental-health-support-too

Canberra Health Services

18/07/2025

Living with a significant medical condition can impact how you think and feel about your body.

If you are an adult living in the ACT who has been diagnosed with a significant medical condition, then Empower: Body Acceptance Skills might be for you.

Facilitated by psychologists, the program consists of 8 sessions over a 12-week period. You will gain knowledge and learn skills to promote positive body image, health and wellbeing in a supportive small group setting.

For more information about the program or to register your interest in participating, please call ANU Psychology clinic on (02) 6125 8498. https://medicine-psychology.anu.edu.au/research/research-projects/building-positive-body-image

15/07/2025

Dr Robin Vlieger, a neuroscientist, is harnessing the power of machine learning and deep learning to unravel the complexities of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. His research is paving the way for smarter, faster diagnoses and better patient outcomes.

Dr. Robin Vlieger, a neuroscientist, is harnessing the power of machine learning and deep learning to unravel the complexities of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis — paving the way for smarter, faster diagnoses and better patient outcomes.

06/06/2025

06/06/2025

Today is - a day that draws attention to the mental health and wellbeing of our doctors, our future doctors, and all health care professionals.

Our staff (and pups) have donned their crazy socks to raise awareness and let our people know it's OK to not be Ok, and to ask for help.

For our students and clinicians - resources and contact details are available on the Student Support Centre of our website, through the university website, through the ANU Employee Assistance Program, or talk to a supervisor or colleague.

09/05/2025

Hospital volunteers supporting people living with dementia will soon have access to an interactive online training course being developed by a team led by Associate Professor Katrina Anderson. The evidence-based training will support higher quality acute hospital care across Australia. https://medicine-psychology.anu.edu.au/research/research-projects/improving-person-centred-care-hospitals-transitioning-volunteer-dementia

15/04/2025

You know your attachment style, your love language, and you can spot all the red flags. But when it comes to predicting if your relationship will truly stand the test of time, there’s one element you might have overlooked.

According to Professor Tegan Cruwys from the ANU School of Medicine and Psychology, it’s the strength of your collective identity – AKA your 'we-ness'.

Read all about it here: https://science.anu.edu.au/news-events/news/secret-lasting-relationship-it-might-be-your-big-we-ness

08/04/2025

Is your child getting bullied online? We asked child psychologist, Dr Dave Pasalich, for advice.

Dr Pasalich from ANU School of Medicine and Psychology says parents also have an important role to play in addressing online bullying.

Read more: https://science.anu.edu.au/news-events/news/your-child-getting-bullied-online-we-asked-child-psychologist-advice

08/04/2025

A study led by Dr Luke Woon has found that telepsychiatry has had considerable growth and sustained usage after Medicare policy changes, even when the effects of pandemic lockdowns were considered. This suggests permanent nationwide availability of telepsychiatry translates into improved access to psychiatric care, especially for insufficiently engaged populations. https://medicine-psychology.anu.edu.au/news-events/news/telepsychiatry-not-only-rural-populations

19/03/2025

Medibank has committed $10million for a groundbreaking clinical and research program, to be conducted in partnership with The Australian National University, on the use of an innovative medication and psychotherapy program to transform the management of treatment-resistant mental health conditions like PTSD and depression. The research led by Professor Paul Fitzgerald will explore the clinical and economic impacts of this new therapeutic approach. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/health/mental-health/medibank-to-invest-extra-50m-into-mental-health-including-mdma-trial/news-story/a0c3aaf40879875e3b3ef5c8e1313095

18/03/2025

Hugo Lorimer, a former psychology student, volunteered with the Know Me Dementia Program in 2024 - an experience that was nothing short of life-changing. The chance to apply his counselling skills in a real-world setting was an opportunity he couldn’t miss.

If you're interested in making a positive impact in the life of a person living with dementia by conducting reminiscence therapy and creating a digital story, we're looking for volunteers to befriend aged care residents from 7 July to 24 October 2025. Time commitment is 1 hour per week visiting a resident face-to-face and 1.5 hours per week of zoom training (provided free) in dementia care and reminiscence therapy.

Read more about Hugo's experience and learn more about joining this ground-breaking research: https://medicine-psychology.anu.edu.au/news-events/news/knowing-person-behind-dementia-diagnosis

17/03/2025

Learning is fun and play!! Our clinical skills coordinator, Dr Eli Dunn brought his daughter to work while our year 3 students were learning to plaster. These adorable photos were snapped as student Rhys Knowles put his new skills to the test on Eleanor and her doll! Right arm back slab. We love the positive energy shared by all during our clinical skills teaching.