The Mental Health Clinical Research Unit (CRU) has an established platform of research projects related to improving treatments and outcomes for those with serious mental health disorders.
The Mental Health Clinical Research Unit (CRU) is located in the University of Otago, Christchurch Department of Psychological Medicine at Terrace House. It is a joint unit of the University department and the Specialist Mental Health Division of the Canterbury District Health Board.
Staff working on Mental Health Clinical Research Unit (CRU) projects include consultant psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, psychiatric and research nurses.
Participate in our research
- Effects of the lockdown on people with mood disorders
- Targeting functional recovery in mood disorders
Current studies
Mood Disorders
Our current studies are investigating psychotherapies for mood disorder
- Interpersonal social rhythms therapy for people with bipolar disorder (still recruiting)
- Cognitive remediation in those with recurrent mood disorders (still recruiting)
- Behavioural and cognitive activation in inpatients with depression
Earthquake-trauma research
These studies involve psychotherapies for PTSE and fMri examination
- An fMri study of those with earthquake related PTSE (still recruiting)
- Metacognitive therapy vs Cognitive Behaviour therapy for earthquake related stress (still recruiting)
Past treatment trials and related research
Earthquake-trauma research
We have conducted trials into earthquake trauma
See Our People for publications Caroline BellJenny JordanKatie Douglas
Psychotherapies for mood disorders
We have conducted trials into psychotherapies (CBT, schema and metacognitive therapy)
See Our People for publications Richard PorterMarie CroweJenny JordanKatie Douglas
Psychotherapies for eating disorders
We have conducted trials into a range of psychotherapies for eating disorders
See Our People for publications Jenny Jordan
Antidepressant medications
- Desipramine vs Imipramine for depression
- Fluoxetine vs Nortriptyline for depression
Other research
Mental Health Clinical Research Unit (CRU) staff have research collaborations with CDHB mental health services and with other collaborators locally, nationally and internationally.
Through the University of Otago, Christchurch, our research capacity is assisted by postgraduate students and post-doctoral fellows working on aspects of these projects.
Clinical Research Advisory Group
This group consists of representatives from Specialist Mental Health Services, Te Korowai Atawhai, Family and consumer representatives.
It provides advice to Mental Health Clinical Research Unit (CRU) researchers regarding proposed projects and liaises with stakeholders within the CDHB.
Further information
Tel +64 3 372 6700
Fax +64 3 372 0405
Email psychmednurse@otago.ac.nz
