SARChI Chair in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Read more about this research unit
.
The Shared Roots of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease Project. Read more about this research unit
Physical Activity in First-Responders with Anxiety, Depression and PTSD
Level: 3x Masters projects for interested research psychology or physiotherapy students.
Supervisors: Prof Davy Vancampfort (
davy.vancampfort@kuleuven.be), Prof S Seedat (
sseedat@sun.ac.za)
Research unit: SARChI Chair in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Read more about this research unit
here.
Description: First-responders are regularly confronted with exposure to traumatic events. Evidence indicates that the prevalence of anxiety and depression is around 44.2% (95% CI 41.6% to 46.7%) in South-African first-responders (Ward et al., 2006). Prevention and treatment of anxiety and depression are therefore essential. Physical activity has the potential to be a low-cost intervention that may prevent anxiety and depression or reduce symptoms in those suffering from it (Ashdown-Franks et al., 2019). However, it is unknown whether physical activity might also be a valuable intervention in first-responders. In order to explore this, more research is needed to investigate whether first-responders with anxiety or depression are insufficiently physically active (i.e. not complying with the physical activity recommendations of 150 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week). The current project aims: (1) to explore physical activity levels in first-responders and compare levels in first-responders with versus without anxiety and/or depression. The current projects aim: (1) to explore physical activity levels in first-responders and compare levels in first-responders with versus without anxiety and/or depression. The 3 master's projects will cover the following topics: Topic 1. Differences in physical activity levels and stages of change between emergency services personnel with versus without anxiety, Topic 2. Differences in physical activity levels and stages of change between emergency services personnel with versus without depression, Topic 3. Differences in physical activity levels and stages of change between emergency services personnel with versus without PTSD.
South African Adolescence Sleep Intervention - SAASI qualitative component
Level: Masters
Supervisors: Jani
Nothling (janinothling@sun.ac.za), Sharain
Suliman (sharain@sun.ac.za)
Research unit: SARChI Chair in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Read more about this research unit here.
Description: We are conducting a pilot study to examine the viability of delivering a low-cost sleep intervention programme, called the Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention (TranS-C-Youth). The study will examine whether this intervention, can improve sleep and symptoms of PTSD in adolescents, aged 15-19, living in the Cape Town area, who have screened positive for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We are urgently seeking a student, with experience in qualitative research, to undertake a Master's degree project. The candidate will assist with the qualitative component of the study, which will involve the following aspects:
- Focus group discussions with participants allocated to the TranS-C-Youth intervention arm to enquire about the delivery process of the intervention, perceived benefits, what participants liked/disliked about the intervention and how the intervention could be improved upon in a future randomised controlled study.
- Focus group discussions with parents and teachers of participants to enquire about the process of getting involved in the study, perceptions about the intervention, beliefs about the benefits of participation, barriers to participation and how the intervention/practical arrangements could be improved.
- Focus group discussions with interventionists to enquire about their experience of the training provided, the process of delivering the intervention, perceptions of the different aspects/modules of the intervention, how participants received the intervention and how the content and method of delivery of the intervention could be improved upon.
Underpinnings of cognitive deficits in stress-related disorders
Level: PhD
Supervisors: Dr Susanne Young (susanneyyoung@gmail.com), Prof Soraya Seedat (sseedat@sun.ac.za)
Research unit: SARChI Chair in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Read more about this research unit here.
Description: More studies are needed to explore the possible biological underpinnings of cognitive dysfunction in stress-related disorders. This study will involve a collaboration between the University of Hamburg and Stellenbosch University, and will examine the relationship between brain and bodily functioning in populations with stress-related disorders (chronic fatigue and/or PTSD specifically). We would like to include measures such as the functioning of the HPA-axis, allostatic load, oxidative stress, autonomic nervous system functioning, movement abilities (motor timing/synchronization abilities) and psychological and neurocognitive functioning.
Genetics of Anxiety Disorders
Level: Masters or PhD
Supervisors: Prof C Lochner (cl2@sun.ac.za)
Research unit: SA MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders. Read more here and here.
Description: This study aims to understand the genetic causes and symptoms of anxiety disorders (including obsessive-compulsive and spectrum disorders such as hair-pulling disorder or trichotillomania (TTM), panic or social anxiety disorder).
Please address specific enquiries to Prof Lochner.
Delineating endophenotypes of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), hair-pulling disorder (HPD; trichotillomania) and Parkinson's Disease: An integrated clinical, neurocognitive, genetic and imaging study
Level: Masters or PhD
Supervisors: Prof C Lochner (cl2@sun.ac.za), Prof D J Stein (dan.stein@uct.ac.za)
Research unit: SA MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders. Read more here and here.
Description: This study aims to investigate the role of polymorphisms in specific candidate genes in accounting for variance in imaging and cognitive-affective data, and to assess the differences between groups in terms of performance of behavioural tasks.
A number of sub-studies are available, including:
- Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with increased severity of illness in OCD patients.
- Symptom dimensions, smoking and impulsiveness in OCD.
- Telomere length (and correlates) in OCD / trichotillomania.
- Childhood trauma and suicidal ideation and the link to the different symptom dimensions in OCD.
- Comparison of OCD with vs without BFRBs (body-focused repetitive behaviours).
- Spectroscopy: OCD vs. controls; HPD vs. controls.
- Structural and fMRI based investigations: OCD, HPD.
Please address specific enquiries to Profs Lochner and Stein.
Identifying reproducible brain signatures of obsessive-compulsive profiles
Level: Masters or PhD
Supervisors: Prof C Lochner (cl2@sun.ac.za), Prof D J Stein (dan.stein@uct.ac.za)
Research unit: SA MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders. Read more here and here.
Description: This study aims to identify reproducible neuroimaging signatures that distinguish those with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) from other conditions and healthy controls. This is a multi-site project with 5 sites including South Africa, Brazil, India, the Netherlands and the United States of America.
A sub-study available, include:
Sertraline treatment trial over 12 weeks with naturalistic follow-up for 12 months, with MRI pre- and post-treatment.
Please address specific enquiries to Profs Lochner and Stein.
Social cognition in social anxiety disorder: Correlates with functional connectivity and neuropsychological measures
Level: Masters
Supervisors: Prof C Lochner (cl2@sun.ac.za), Prof D J Stein (dan.stein@uct.ac.za)
Research unit: SA MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders. Read more here and here.
Description: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common psychiatric condition characterized by exaggerated fear of public scrutiny and social interactions which severely impacts the functioning of those affected. This study (of which data collection has stopped) aims to investigate the underlying biology (including genetics, neurotransmitter systems and systems neuroscience) of SAD with the objective that such research will better explain pathophysiology and better direct treatment strategies. Data are available for analysis.
Please address specific enquiries to Profs Lochner and Stein.
Prediction and prevention of PTSD
Level: Masters
Supervisors: Dr S Suliman (sharain@sun.ac.za), Prof S Seedat (sseedat@sun.ac.za)
Research unit: SARChI Chair in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Read more about this research unit here.
Description: The importance of identifying those who may be at risk of developing PTSD and providing treatment as early as possible has been highlighted in recent years. This prospective study aims to identify whether (i) clinical and trauma-related factors, (ii) neurocognitive performance and (iii) telomere length can predict who will develop PTSD and related disorders following trauma and whether (ii) a brief internet-based early intervention is successful in reducing the development of PTSD and other disorders in the year following a traumatic event.
Anxiety and anxiety disorders in Parkinson's disease
Level: Masters/MMed
Supervisors: Dr Leigh van den Heuvel (llvdh@sun.ac.za)
Research unit: The Shared Roots of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease Project. Read more about this research unit here.
Description: This project aims to compare state and trait anxiety in Parkinson's patients and controls, and determine factors associated with anxiety disorders in Parkinson's disease patients.
The association between stress, anxiety, and physical activity in mixed-ancestry South Africans
Level: Masters/MMed
Supervisors: Dr Leigh van den Heuvel (llvdh@sun.ac.za)
Research unit: The Shared Roots of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease Project. Read more about this research unit here.
Description: This project aims to determine whether there is a relationship between physical activity and sedentary behaviour and self-perceived stress and anxiety.
Physical activity in PTSD
Level: Masters/MMed
Supervisors: Dr Leigh van den Heuvel (llvdh@sun.ac.za)
Research unit: The Shared Roots of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease Project. Read more about this research unit here.
Description: This project aims to compare physical activity and sedentary behaviour in PTSD patients and controls, and determine if physical activity is associated with PTSD severity.
Hair glucocorticoid levels, cytokines, and metabolic syndrome comorbidity in PTSD
Level: Masters/MMedSupervisors: Dr Leigh van den Heuvel (llvdh@sun.ac.za)Research unit: The Shared Roots of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease Project. Read more about this research unit here.Description: This project will involve secondary data analysis using data obtained in the SHARED ROOTS study to evaluate the interaction between neuroendocrine and immune pathways in the comorbidity of metabolic syndrome in PTSD.
The impact of hair glucocorticoid levels and cytokines on the reward system
Level: Masters/MMedSupervisors: Dr Stefan du Plessis (stefandup@sun.ac.za)Research unit: The Shared Roots of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease Project. Read more about this research unit here.Description: This project will involve secondary data analysis using data obtained in the SHARED ROOTS study to evaluate the interaction between neuroendocrine and immune pathways in the function of the reward system.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis related genes and hair glucocorticoid levels in PTSD
Level: Masters/MMedSupervisors: Dr Leigh van den Heuvel (llvdh@sun.ac.za)Research unit: The Shared Roots of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease Project. Read more about this research unit here.Description: This project will involve secondary data analysis using data obtained in the SHARED ROOTS study to evaluate the interaction between HPA-axis related genetic variants and hair neuroendocrine levels in PTSD.
A network analysis of PTSD symptoms and cytokine levels
Level: Masters/MMedSupervisors: Prof S Seedat (sseedat@sun.ac.za)Research unit: The Shared Roots of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease Project. Read more about this research unit here.Description: This project will involve secondary data analysis using data obtained in the SHARED ROOTS study to conduct a network analysis of PTSD symptoms and cytokine levels.
The association between atopy and neuroendocrine biomarkers in PTSD
Level: Undergraduate/honoursSupervisors: Prof S Seedat (sseedat@sun.ac.za)Research unit: The Shared Roots of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease Project. Read more about this research unit here.Description: This project will involve secondary data analysis using data obtained in the SHARED ROOTS study to evaluate the association between atopy and neuroendocrine biomarkers in PTSD.
The complement cascade in PTSD
Level: Masters/MMedSupervisors: Prof S Seedat (sseedat@sun.ac.za)Research unit: The Shared Roots of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease Project. Read more about this research unit here.Description: This project will involve secondary data analysis using data obtained in the SHARED ROOTS study to evaluate the complement cascade alongside other immune markers in PTSD.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor genes and plasma levels in PTSD
Level: Masters/MMedSupervisors: Dr Leigh van den Heuvel (llvdh@sun.ac.za)Research unit: The Shared Roots of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease Project. Read more about this research unit here.Description: This project will involve secondary data and sample analysis using data and samples obtained in the SHARED ROOTS study to evaluate BDNF genes and plasma levels in PTSD.
Serum adiponectin and other metabolic markers in relations to cardiometabolic risk in PTSD
Level: Masters/MMedSupervisors: Prof S Seedat (sseedat@sun.ac.za)Research unit: The Shared Roots of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease Project. Read more about this research unit here.Description: This project will involve secondary data and sample analysis using data and samples obtained in the SHARED ROOTS study to evaluate serum adiponectin and other metabolic markers in relations to cardiometabolic risk in PTSD.
Physical activity/lifestyle and cognition
Level: Masters/MMedSupervisors: Dr Leigh van den Heuvel (llvdh@sun.ac.za)Research unit: The Shared Roots of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease Project. Read more about this research unit here.Description: This project will involve secondary data and sample analysis using data and samples obtained in the SHARED ROOTS study to evaluate the
interaction between physical activity and other lifestyle-related factors with
cognition.
Smoking, cognition, and neuroimaging
Level: Masters/MMedSupervisors: Ms Freda Scheffler (fredas@sun.ac.za), Dr Stefan du Plessis (stefandup@sun.ac.za), Dr Sharain Suliman (sharain@sun.ac.za)Research unit: The Shared Roots of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease Project. Read more about this research unit here.Description: This project will involve secondary data and sample analysis using data and samples obtained in the SHARED ROOTS study to evaluate the relationship between smoking, cognition and neuroimaging findings.
Inflammation and cognition
Level: Masters/MMedSupervisors: Prof S Seedat (sseedat@sun.ac.za)Research unit: The Shared Roots of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease Project. Read more about this research unit here.Description: This project will involve secondary data and sample analysis using data and samples obtained in the SHARED ROOTS study to conduct
analysis of inflammation and cognition.
Childhood trauma, cortical thickness, and neurocognitive difficulties in healthy controls
Level: Masters/MMedSupervisors: Dr Sanja Kilian (sanjakilian83@gmail.com), Dr Sharain Suliman (sharain@sun.ac.za)Research unit: The Shared Roots of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease Project. Read more about this research unit here.Description: This project will involve secondary data and sample analysis using data and samples obtained in the SHARED ROOTS study to evaluate the association between childhood trauma, cortical thickness and neurocognitive
difficulties in healthy controls.
Dietary markers and cognition
Level: PostdocSupervisors: Prof S Seedat (sseedat@sun.ac.za)Research unit: The Shared Roots of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease Project. Read more about this research unit here.Description: This project will involve secondary data and sample analysis using data and samples obtained in the SHARED ROOTS study to evaluate the
interaction between dietary markers, such as vitamin E, and cognition.
The feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of a mental health self-management app in clinicians working during the COVID-19 pandemic: A randomised controlled trial (COVID-MH-Clin)
Level: Masters or PhD, depending on scope.Supervisors: Dr Leigh van den Heuvel (llvdh@sun.ac.za)Description: The COVID-MH-Clin study is an ongoing RCT investigating the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of a mental health self-management app in clinicians working during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are a number of study-related aims available to address, such as:- To determine the baseline mental health status and factors associated with mental health (e.g., sociodemographic, work-related) of clinicians working within during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To determine the mediators of efficacy outcomes of the COVID Coach app (e.g., sociodemographic, work-related).
- To utilise hair cortisol concentrations as a stress-related outcome marker of the COVID Coach intervention.
There is also the possibility of addressing additional aims with the available data or to expand/add projects, such as investigating the utility of the app in other samples e.g., students, teachers, patient cohorts or inviting participants in the RCT to participate in qualitative projects.
Investigating anxiety, depressive and psychotrauma symptoms in South African expatriates during the COVID-19 outbreak
Level: Honours or MastersSupervisors: Dr Stafenie Malan-Muller, Dr Leigh van den Heuvel (llvdh@sun.ac.za)Description: The study investigated anxiety, depressive and psychotrauma symptoms in South African expatriates during a period of enforced social isolation during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. A number of study aims are available for honours or master's projects. There is also the possibility of addressing additional aims with the available data.
Virtual reality as a tool for physiological bio-marker exploration in post-traumatic stress disorder in a South African population
Level: Masters or PhDSupervisors: Dr Stefan du Plessis (stefandup@sun.ac.za), Prof S Seedat (sseedat@sun.ac.za), Dr G Spies (ggiocos@sun.ac.za)Description: The study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms of a sustained fear response in PTSD. Three experimental Virtual Reality paradigms will be developed in which we investigate the verbal responses, physiological responses and behavioural responses of a group of participants diagnosed with PTSD and a group of matched controls with varying degrees of trauma exposure. This research will lay the groundwork for future studies and could also inform VR-based therapeutic interventions.
The healthcare worker bounce back study: A multi-arm parallel randomised controlled trial investigating weigh-loss and mindfulness based mobile interventions (Bounce Back)
Level: Masters or PhD, depending on scope
Description: T
he Bounce Back study will investigate whether mobile interventions can assist in improving mental and general health and wellness in HCWs. In a randomised controlled trial (RCT) the acceptability, feasibility and efficacy of two mobile interventions will be compared to each other and those waitlisted. One intervention will be a weight-loss focused mobile app and the other a mindfulness based mobile app. The trial will investigate whether the two interventions have superior outcomes for either mental health, weight loss, or both and both interventions will also be compared to waitlist. Changes in hair cortisol concentrations will be used as a biological marker of stress outcomes (mental health and weight) in relation to the interventions.Aim - To assess the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of two mobile interventions on weight loss, overall health, mental health and wellbeing in healthcare workers following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Primary and secondary objectives are available to address and there is also the possibility of addressing additional aims with the available data or to expand/add projects. The RCT is conducted fully remotely, thus also offering possibilities for students not on-site.
Neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a biomarker of neurodegeneration in neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs) and risk for cardiovascular disease
Level: Masters
Supervisor: Prof Leigh van den Heuvel (llvdh@sun.ac.za)
Description: This study will compare blood NfL between patients with neuropsychiatric disorders and controls as well as investigate its association with comorbid metabolic syndrome (MetS). NfL is a biomarker of neurodegeneration and levels have also been associated with cardiovascular risk factors. This study will thus investigate whether patients with NPDs have higher levels of NfL and if this is further elevated in those with comorbid MetS.
Investigating the association between neuroendocrine status and maternal mental health outcomes
Level: Masters or PhD
Supervisors: Prof Dana Niehaus (djhn@sun.ac.za) and Prof Leigh van den Heuvel (llvdh@sun.ac.za)
Description: This study will investigate whether neuroendocrine status measured longitudinally across pregnancy is associated with maternal mental health outcomes. Neuroendocrine status was determined by measuring hormone levels (cortisol, cortisone, progesterone, DHEA, and testosterone) in hair samples of women during pregnancy and postpartum.
3. Addictions
Compulsivity/impulsivity in methamphetamine use disorder and gambling disorder
Level: Masters
Supervisors: Prof C Lochner (cl2@sun.ac.za)
Description: Data collection has stopped; clinical, genetics and MRI data are available for analysis.
Problematic use of the internet (PUI) and addictive behaviours: a comprehensive enquiry
Level: Masters or PhD
Supervisors: Prof C Lochner (cl2@sun.ac.za)
Description: The aim of this study is to assess PUI in terms of its symptomatology, co-morbidities, and latent impulsive/compulsive phenotypes (cognition, personality traits).
Examining psychological mechanisms underlying problematic social network sites use
Level: Masters
Supervisors: Prof C Lochner (cl2@sun.ac.za)
Description: Please address specific enquiries to Prof Lochner.
Binge-watching
Level: Masters or PhD
Supervisors: Prof C Lochner (cl2@sun.ac.za)
Description: Binge-watching, defined as watching multiple episodes of the same television (TV) series in one session, is a relatively new but widespread phenomenon. Survey data are available for exploring the psychological processes underlying this seemingly excessive behaviour.
4. Effects of drug and alcohol exposure
Effects of alcohol abuse on the brain in the context of earlier ART-initiation among HIV positive individuals in the Western Cape, South Africa
Level: Masters or PhD
Supervisors: Dr G Spies (ggiocos@sun.ac.za), Prof S Seedat (sseedat@sun.ac.za)
Research unit: SARChI Chair in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Read more about this research unit here.
Description: This study aims to understand the impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on brain degeneration in the context of high alcohol use by allowing comparison of ART initiation at different CD4 thresholds, and tracking this impact over time. The sample consists of both early and late ART initiators, with and without an alcohol use disorder. All participants undergo neuromedical, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging assessments at baseline and at follow-up.
The trajectory of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder across the lifespan
Level: Masters/MMed or PhD
Supervisors: Prof S Seedat (sseedat@sun.ac.za), Prof C Parry (cparry@sun.ac.za)
Research unit: FASER-SA. Read more about this research unit here.
Description: A number of projects are available including:
- Early intervention/remediation research, via random assignment, case-control studies, on development through nutritional and cognitive/behavioural enhancement techniques for children with FASD from 24 months of age forward.
- An efficacy study of biomarkers for alcohol consumption.
- A detailed longitudinal study of the physical and cognitive/behavioural developmental trajectory of children from the newborn period to seven years of age.
- Study the nutrition of pregnant women.
5. Student health and wellness
Student health and wellness: a longitudinal multi-site international collaboration
Level: Masters or PhD
Supervisors: Prof C Lochner (cl2@sun.ac.za), Prof J Bantjes (jbantjes@sun.ac.za), Prof DJ Stein (dan.stein@uct.ac.za)
Research unit: SA MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders. Read more here and here.
Description: Please address specific enquiries to Prof Lochner.
6. Neurocognitive effects of HIV and trauma
Biological endophytes of HIV and childhood trauma: A genetics, cognitive and imaging study
Level: Masters or PhD
Supervisors: Prof S Seedat (sseedat@sun.ac.za), Dr G Spies (ggiocos@sun.ac.za)
Research unit: SARChI Chair in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Read more about this research unit here.
Description: This study aims to investigate genetics, cognitive and imaging outcomes in South African women living with HIV and childhood trauma. A rich dataset has already been established, with 5-year follow-up assessments in continuation. Opportunities to work with existing neurocognitive and neuroimaging datasets.
The role of stress in the comorbidity of neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs) in HIV
The role of stress in the comorbidity of neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs) in HIV
Level: Masters
Supervisor: Prof Leigh van den Heuvel (llvdh@sun.ac.za)
Description: This study is a sub-study of a larger project investigating ‘The mental health of adults attending public sector health facilities in Cape Town’. This study will investigate whether subjective stress levels and hair cortisol concentrations (HCC), as markers of longer-term hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis function are altered in HIV-positive individuals with NPDs as compared to HIV-positive individuals without NPDs. Hair samples are collected for neuroendocrine analyses to evaluate the role of stress (HCC, socio-economic, subjective stress and lifetime adverse experiences) in the comorbidity of NPDs in HIV and how these relate to immune function and HIV disease progression.
The association between subjective health status and HPA-axis and immune system function
Level: Masters
Supervisor: Prof Leigh van den Heuvel (llvdh@sun.ac.za)
Description: This study will evaluate whether subjective reports of health status and health-related quality of life are associated with alterations in HPA-axis function (as measured by hair cortisol levels) and immune system function (CRP and cytokines). The study will aim to evaluate whether subjective health status, as compared to more objective markers of health, are associated with HPA-axis and immune system alterations.
