Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

Depression is the most common mental illness worldwide and one of the largest contributors to disease burden, it is a growing and important public health problem. Depression is associated with a high risk of suicide and suicidal ideation, especially in adolescent and youth populations. This project aims to investigate the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in combination with psychoeducation as a treatment modality for youth with depression and suicide ideation. The project further seeks to identify brain markers via Magnetic Resonance Imaging relating to treatment response. The results of this project could validate a non-pharmacological treatment option, a necessary alternative given the link between increased suicidal ideation and antidepressants in youth populations. Overall, by increasing treatment options and identifying brain-based markers of response, this project could enable a pathway towards faster and better treatment outcomes for WA youth struggling with poor mental health.

The project is partly funded by the WA FHRI Fund.

Please contact Aleksandra.Miljevic@uwa.edu.au in the first instance. 

We are looking for highly motivated students with a background in psychology and/or neuroscience. Students should have a developed understanding of psychology theories and principles or a working understanding of neuroscience principles at an honours equivalent level. Demonstrated experience and a strong willingness to work with clinical populations is favoured. Students will be trained in the relevant experimental techniques but will also be expected to lead their project and work well in a larger team setting.

A PhD scholarship is available through the Perron Institute for the successful applicant. 

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a program of independent, supervised research that is assessed solely on the basis of a thesis, sometimes including a creative work component, that is examined externally. The work presented for a PhD must be a substantial and original contribution to scholarship, demonstrating mastery of the subject of interest as well as an advance in that field of knowledge. 

Visit the course webpage for full details of this course including admission requirements, course rules and the relevant CRICOS code/s.