Hope for trauma survivors
The National PTSD Research Centre at UniSC’s Thompson Institute pursues solutions for the 1.4 million Australians living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the many more people living with the impacts of psychological trauma.
The research centre is the first of its kind in Australia, bringing together advanced neuroscience and psychotherapies, to unveil crucial insights into how PTSD and traumatic stress are linked to brain structure and function.
Solving a crucial need
Three-quarters of Australians have experienced at least one traumatic event, such as a threat to life or violence. Early treatment of traumatic stress is vital in preventing potential chronic mental health disorders including anxiety and PTSD.
PTSD is difficult to define, with the list of potential symptoms creating 600,000 ways to meet the criteria for diagnosis. This makes it challenging to identify effective treatments for individuals.
For many people with PTSD, conventional treatments and therapies are not effective long-term. TGA-approved medicines tend to treat comorbidities of PTSD, such as anxiety and depression, but not the root cause of the disorder.
We need better solutions. We're committed to creating a better future for people and families living with the impacts of PTSD.
Current studies
PTSD and the menstrual cycle study
We're exploring the gut-brain connection in older adults (50+) both with and without PTSD, with a focus on cognition and diet
Reconsolidation Therapy clinical study
Reconsolidation Therapy is a treatment designed to help the brain update traumatic memories by reducing their emotional impact. Seeking adults with diagnosed or suspected PTSD.
VF-LINK Consortium
We are a founding member of the VF-LINK Consortium. Led by Phoenix Australia and funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, this initiative brings together Australia’s leading researchers, alongside veteran and families of veterans advisors, to improve the health and wellbeing of our veteran community. By bridging the gap between research and practice, we are ensuring that those who have served—and their families—receive support backed by the best possible evidence.
Reconsolidation Therapy
Reconsolidation Therapy™ is an exciting emerging treatment for PTSD and other psychological impacts of trauma. Developed by Thompson Institute director, Professor Alain Brunet, the therapy is shown to work in 70 percent of cases with virtually no relapse. To advance this treatment’s significant potential to improve lives, we are investigating the neurobiology behind its effectiveness in blocking the brain’s reconsolidation of traumatic memories.
Our facilities
- Advanced neuroimaging technology, including MRI and EEG
- State-of-the-art treatment rooms
- Laboratory for molecular biology research
- A dedicated space for a future brain bank, containing donated tissue from people who have passed away (with prior consent)
- A dedicated space for a future Zebrafish facility, which will allow investigation into the epigenetics of PTSD
In the news
A traumatic event is still affecting me, when should I check for PTSD?
It is very normal to experience stress symptoms following a traumatic event, but a global PTSD expert says there are signs when to seek a diagnosis for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Ten years after the Paris attacks: advancing PTSD treatment through reconsolidation therapy
Ten years after the Paris attacks, Professor Alain Brunet’s reflects on how training clinicians on the ground in reconsolidation therapy has helped some of the survivors recover from trauma faster and more gently, offering new hope for people living with PTSD worldwide.
Low doses of oral ketamine can treat PTSD: UniSC study
A new UniSC study has found small amounts of liquid ketamine administered in a clinical setting can significantly reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.