Speaker 4: Michael Berk

s | 41 diagnosis of PTSD. Finally, I will discuss aspects of the various trials that point to how NAC may be most effectively employed clinically in combination with psychosocial interventions, and perhaps other pharmacological treatments. Speaker 2: Olivia Dean, Australia Title: Minocycline as an adjunctive therapy for unipolar depression Dean OM1,2,3, Maes M4, Berk L1, Ashton M1, Kanchanatawan B4, Sughondhabirom A4, Tangwongchai S4, Ng C5, Dowling N5, Malhi GS 6,7, Berk M1,2,3,8,9 1 IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, P.O. Box 291, Geelong, 3220, Australia; 2 Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Kenneth Myer Building, 30 Royal Parade, 3052, Parkville, Australia. 3 University of Melbourne, Department of Psychiatry, Level 1 North, Main Block, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, 3052, Australia 4 Department of Psychiatry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. 5 Department of Psychiatry University of Melbourne, The Melbourne Clinic 130 Church St Richmond Australia 3121 6 Discipline of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia 7 CADE Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, Level 5 Building 36 Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, 2065, Australia. 8 Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, 35 Poplar Rd, Parkville, 3052, Australia. 9 Centre of Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 35 Poplar Rd, Parkville, 3052, Australia Abstract There has been a decline in new therapies for unipolar depression. Current pharmacological therapies are attributed to symptom remission in only 30% of individuals with unipolar depression. As such, there is a clear need for the development of new therapies, instigated by investigators rather than reliance on pharmaceutical companies. There have been significant advancements in the understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of unipolar depression. Significant evidence is available to suggest that unipolar depression is mediated by inflammation. This is demonstrated by the induction of depressive symptoms following pro-inflammatory treatment (e.g. interferon in hepatitis-C) and more importantly, by alterations in peripheral cytokine levels in individuals with unipolar depression. GivenThere has been a decline in new therapies for unipolar depression. Current pharmacological therapies are attributed to symptom remission in only 30% of individuals with unipolar depression. As such, there is a clear need for the development of new therapies, instigated by investigators rather than reliance on pharmaceutical companies. There have been significant advancements in the understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of unipolar depression. Significant evidence is available to suggest that unipolar depression is mediated by inflammation. This is demonstrated by the induction of depressive symptoms following pro-inflammatory treatment (e.g. interferon in hepatitis-C) and more importantly, by alterations in peripheral cytokine levels in individuals with unipolar depression. Given this, we planned to trial a treatment specifically targeting inflammation as an adjunct to usual for individuals with moderate-severe unipolar depression. The agent selected is minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic which has also been shown to inhibit microglial activation and also reduce oxidative stress, augment glutamate pathways and promote neuronal growth. This agent is of particular interest as in addition to increased inflammation, depression is also characterized by increased oxidative stress, altered glutamate function and decreased levels of neuronal growth factors (e.g. BDNF). We have completed a pilot double-blind placebo controlled trial of 200 mg/ day of minocycline as an adjunct to treatment as usual. The study includes 12 weeks of treatment followed by a followup visit 4 weeks later. The primary outcome measure for the study is the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale and a variety of clinical impression, functioning and quality of life scales are also included as secondary outcomes. The last study visit will be completed in December 2015 and trial results will be available in early 2016 to determine the preliminary efficacy of minocycline as an adjunctive therapy for moderate to severe unipolar depression. Speaker 3: Felice Jacka, Australia Title: Novel therapies for psychiatric disorders: from translation to implementation Abstract With depressive disorders the leading source of disability globally, the identification of new targets for prevention and management is imperative. A rapidly emerging field of research suggests that the microbiome-brain axis is of substantial relevance to mood and behavior. Similarly, unhealthy diet has recently emerged as a significant correlate of and risk factor for depression. This review provides evidence for the gut microbiota as a key factor mediating the link between diet and depressive illness and focuses on the potential of gut-focused interventions for the prevention and treatment of mood disorders. Recent findings: The development of new technologies is affording a better understanding of how diet influences gut microbiota composition and activity and how this may, in turn, influence depressive illness. New evidence is also pointing to the possible utility of pre and probiotic formulations and fermented food in influencing mental health. Summary: Although in its early stages, the emerging field of research focused on the human microbiome suggests an important role for the gut microbiota in influencing brain development, behavior and mood in humans. The recognition that the gut microbiota interacts bi-directionally with other environmental risk factors, such as diet and stress, suggests promise in the development of interventions targeting the gut microbiota for the prevention and treatment of common mental health disorders.