IMPACT - Dr Melanie Ashton
Background
Through my undergraduate studies in science and psychology I discovered a passion for clinical trials. I joined IMPACT in 2012 as a Research Assistant and have worked on a range of clinical trials for mood disorders. I was inspired by working with the fantastic team at IMPACT to complete my PhD in, 2019 entitled “Exploring factors that contribute to treatment response in bipolar depression.”
I am currently continuing work in clinical trials and have taken on the role of Clinical Trial Coordinator for our CADET Trials.
Research Focus
My research focus is mood disorders, primarily bipolar disorder and am interested in clinical trials.
Awards & Achievements
- Shortlisted for the Alfred Deakin Medal for Doctoral Thesis (2020)
- GMCC Dean McInness Student Travel Award (2019)
- Geoff Betts and Betty Betts Early Mental Health Researcher Award – Rotary Club of Geelong (2017)
- World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry Young Investigator Award (2017)
Feature Publications
- Ashton MM, Kavanagh BE, Marx W, et al. A Systematic Review of Nutraceuticals for the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder: Une revue systematique des nutraceutiques pour le traitement du trouble bipolaire. Can J Psychiatry 2020:706743720961734. doi: 10.1177/0706743720961734 [published Online First: 2020/09/24]
- Ashton MM, Mohebbi M, Turner A, et al. Physical Activity as a Predictor of Clinical Trial Outcomes in Bipolar Depression: A Subanalysis of a Mitochondrial-Enhancing Nutraceutical Randomized Controlled Trial. Can J Psychiatry 2020;65(5):306-18. doi: 10.1177/0706743719889547 [published Online First: 2019/11/30]
- Ashton MM, Dean OM, Marx W, et al. Diet quality, dietary inflammatory index and body mass index as predictors of response to adjunctive N-acetylcysteine and mitochondrial agents in adults with bipolar disorder: A sub-study of a randomised placebo-controlled trial. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2020;54(2):159-72. doi: 10.1177/0004867419882497 [published Online First: 2019/10/31]
- Ashton MM, Dean OM, Walker AJ, et al. The Therapeutic Potential of Mangosteen Pericarp as an Adjunctive Therapy for Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2019;10:115. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00115 [published Online First: 2019/03/29]
- Ashton MM, Berk M, Ng CH, et al. Efficacy of adjunctive Garcinia mangostana Linn (mangosteen) pericarp for bipolar depression: study protocol for a proof-of-concept trial. Braz J Psychiatry 2019;41(3):245-53. doi: 10.1590/1516-4446-2018-0114 [published Online First: 2018/10/18]
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.
Last Modified: Monday, 01 February 2021
Dr Melanie Ashton
BSc, GradDipPsych, PhD
Associate Research Fellow and Clinical Trial Coordinator for the CADET Trials, TRIALS, IMPACT
Phone: (03) 5227 3808