About Us

Background

I am an R.D. Wright NHMRC Biomedical Career Development Fellow and also hold honorary appointments with the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Barwon Health. I have an established track record with over 100 publications and several successful grants totalling over $AUD 15 million.

I am committed to providing better treatment outcomes for people with mental disorders and I am actively involved in ensuring our research reaches community forums, and outcomes are directly translated into clinical practice.

Research Focus

I am a highly cited researcher indicating that my research is having a world-wide impact. I have a particular focus on the biology of mood disorders and finding new treatments to target those biological pathways.

Awards & Achievements

• 2019 Web of Science/Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researcher for 2019 – Crossfield
• 2019 Telstra Business Women’s Award Finalist – Victoria Public Sector and Academia
• Nominated - 2017 Women in Community Life, City of Greater Geelong

Feature Publications

• Zazula R, Husain MI, Mohebbi M, Walker AJ, Chaudry IB, Khoso AB, Ashton M, Agustini B, Husain N, Deakin JFW, Young AH, Berk M, Kanchanatawan B, Ng CH, Maes M, Berk L, Singh AB, Malhi GS, Dean OM. Minocycline as adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder: pooled data from two randomized controlled trials. ANZJP (accepted 15th September 2020).
• Ashton M, Kavanagh B, Marx W, Berk M, Sarris J, Ng CH, Hopwood M, Williams LJ, Dean OM (2020) A systematic review of nutraceuticals for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry (Accepted 10th August 2020)
• Berk M, Dean OM, Vieta E. (2020) Anti-inflammatory treatment of bipolar depression: promise and disappointment. Lancet Psychiatry. 2020;7(6):467-468.
• Dean OM, Kanchanatawan B, Ashton M, Mohebbi M, Ng CH, Maes M, Berk L, Sughondhabirom A, Tangwongchai S, Singh AB, McKenzie H, Smith DJ, Malhi GS, Dowling N, Berk M. Adjunctive minocycline treatment for major depressive disorder: a proof of concept trial. ANZJP (2017); 51(8):829-840.
• Dean O.M., Gliddon E., van Rheenen T.E., Giorlando F., Davidson S.K., Kaur M., Ngo T.T., Williams L.J. An update on adjunctive treatment options for bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disorders (2018); 20(2):87-96.
• Hasebe K, Gray L, Bortolasci C, Panizzutti B, Mohebbi M, Kidnapillai S, Spolding B, Walder K, Berk M, Malhi G, Dodd S, Dean OM. Adjunctive N-acetylcysteine in depression: exploration of IL-6, C-reactive protein and brain derived neurotrophic factor. Acta Neuropsychiatrica. (2017); 29(6):337-346 – cites: 10.

How you can help

Participate in a Clinical Trial

To find out about Clinical Trials currently underway at Barwon Health, click here. To learn more about the Adrian Costa Clinical Trials Centre, click here.

Donate

Research requires ongoing investment and there are several ways to support our work. You can make a donation today and contribute to an item on our research group’s wish list, consider a bequest in your will, or establish a lasting legacy fund in your name. No matter what size, your philanthropic support will deliver an immediate impact to this important work. To donate now or for more information, please contact the Barwon Health Foundation.