The Department of Psychological Medicine (Christchurch) is a leading hub for psychological medicine teaching and research. We run multiple studies from our Clinical Research Unit, a collaboration with Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha Canterbury (formerly Canterbury District Health Board). Our department includes psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, nurses, lived experience expertise, researchers and administrators. Our research strengths include:
- Longitudinal research
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Cognition
- Eating disorders
- Addiction
We welcome general enquiries:
Tel +64 3 372 6700
Email psychmed.reception@otago.ac.nz
We also welcome enquiries from prospective postgraduate students:
Email mentalhealthphd.uoc@otago.ac.nz
For enquiries about our research, please email the study lead for the relevant study or follow links to the study webpages.
Current research
Ketamine and Bipolar depression study
Study lead: Associate Professor Ben Beaglehole
Email ben.beaglehole@otago.ac.nz
The Christchurch Health and Development Study
Study lead: Associate Professor James Foulds
Email james.foulds@otago.ac.nz
The BEAT-MD project (Behavioural Activation Therapy for Mood Disorders in Aotearoa)
Study lead: Associate Professor Katie Douglas
Email katie.douglas@otago.ac.nz
Te Uemairangi: First-episode psychosis in Māori
Email psychmed.uoc@otago.ac.nz
The March 15 Study: Impacts and Recovery
Study leads: Dr Ruqayya Sulaiman-Hill and Professor Richard Porter
Email ruqayya.sulaiman-hill@otago.ac.nz and richard.porter@otago.ac.nz
The Youth March 15 Project: Weaving our own path
Study leads: Kat Donovan, Dr Shaystah Dean, Dr Bilal Nasier and Rana Lotfy Ahmad
Email kat.donovan@otago.ac.nz, shaystah.dean@otago.ac.nz and rana.lotfyahmed@otago.ac.nz
Dual relationship study: experiences of Christchurch Muslims in professional community roles post-March 15 attacks
Study lead: Dr Ruqayya Sulaiman-Hill
Email ruqayya.sulaiman-hill@otago.ac.nz
The March 15 Youth Project
Study lead: Dr Katherine Donovan
Email katherine.donovan@otago.ac.nz