An online psychoeducational intervention for psychological symptoms in ataxias

Degenerative cerebellar ataxias are complex and heterogeneous diseases defined by a range of debilitating motor and non-motor symptoms. Psychological symptoms are increasingly recognised in this cohort. These symptoms may arise from changes to the cerebellum, which has a role in cognitive and emotional function. They can also represent emotional responses to diagnosis of a progressive neurological condition and to the impact of ataxia symptoms on daily activities and participation. In our recent research, most people with ataxia who completed a survey believed that it is important to talk about and address psychological symptoms in ataxias. Barriers to accessing psychological support included financial constraints, time constraints, and limited availability of healthcare professionals with knowledge of ataxia. Most respondents were also interested in using online resources to learn about psychological symptoms and how to manage them. This project provides an opportunity to develop, implement, and evaluate a world-first online, accessible, self-paced, psychoeducational intervention for psychological symptoms of ataxia. This intervention will address identified barriers to psychological input, and embed consumer lived experience throughout the project. The project will involve: 1. Co-designing a novel online psychological intervention for ataxias, via co-design workshops with consumers, close others, clinicians, researchers, and mental health professionals. 2. Implementing the intervention and evaluate its feasibility and acceptability for people with ataxia. 3. Evaluating enablers and barriers to engagement in the intervention, and evaluate individual factors influencing outcomes of the intervention. Scholarship top-up funding of $5000 per year is available for this project. Suitable for Clinical Neuropsychology PhD and Clinical Psychology PhD candidates. This research project will be co-supervised by Dr Louisa Selvadurai (research fellow/clinical neuropsychologist) and Dr Ian Harding (neuroscientist). Students will have the opportunity to work with local and international clinical and research collaborators, and be embedded in the Ataxia Center of Excellence at the Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital. Learn more about our research program here! https://www.qimrb.edu.au/researchers-and-labs/cerebellum-and-neurodegeneration-research-group