Professor Colleen Loo
Fields of research: Psychiatry (incl. Psychotherapy), Neurosciences
Campus: Randwick
Research Interests:
Novel non invasive brain stimulation techniques offer exciting new potential to probe the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders, as well as possible new avenues for treating psychiatric disorders. Our team at UNSW, based at the Black Dog Institute (Randwick), has expertise in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Current research streams are: 1) Clinical trials of novel brain stimulation treatments in depression 2)...
Research Interests:
Novel non invasive brain stimulation techniques offer exciting new potential to probe the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders, as well as possible new avenues for treating psychiatric disorders. Our team at UNSW, based at the Black Dog Institute (Randwick), has expertise in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Current research streams are: 1) Clinical trials of novel brain stimulation treatments in depression 2) Experiments using novel brain stimulation techniques to understand neuroplasticity and other brain processes 3) Clinical research into new approaches in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) 4) Combining TMS, tDCS and ECT with MRI and other neuroimaging techniques. The above research involves collaborations with researchers at the Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute.
Broad Research Areas:
Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Clinical Research
Qualifications:
MB BS UNSW MD, FRANZCP
Society Memberships & Professional Activities:
Fellow, Royal Australian and NZ College of Psychiatrists , , Member, Editorial Board, Journal of ECT., , Member, Australasian Society for Psychiatric Research, , Member, NSW Health ECT Standards Working Party
Specific Research Keywords:
transcranial magnetic stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy, depression, Transcranial direct current stimulation, Brain Sciences
Location
School of Psychiatry
Academic Chair, Psychiatry, St George Hospital
Brain Stimulation Research - Black Dog Institute
Electroconvulsive Therapy Research - Wesley Hospital, Kogarah
Contact
Research Activities
Project
A Sham-controlled Study of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as a Treatment for Depression
This study tests the effectiveness and safety of a potential new treatment for depression, which involves mild stimulation of the brain, given through pads placed on the scalp. There is no anaesthetic or seizure and the treatment is painless. The treatment is given on an outpatient basis, three times per week, for 10 sessions, each session taking approximately half an hour. If found to be effective and safe, this new treatment could be an alternative to antidepressant medication.
Project
A controlled study of bilateral electroconvulsive therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment for depression, used in Australia and throughout the world to treat severe depression that has not responded to other treatments. Despite clear evidence of its effectiveness as a treatment, the use of ECT is limited by concerns over memory side effects. This study evaluates a new approach to ECT that has the potential to preserve its effectiveness, while greatly reducing effects on memory.