Dr Mary-Claire Hanlon
Conjoint Lecturer
School of Medicine and Public Health
A taste for research
Dr Mary-Claire Hanlon has gained a wealth of experience in psychology, mental health and social science research throughout her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. She’s now looking to use her skills to foster emerging clinical researchers – and work to ensure that mental health research findings get to where they need to be.
“Before going into science and education I'd actually worked in commercial enterprise and ran my own business for a little while, too.
“A big part of that was continuing professional development, including human anatomy and physiology, and business management – but there was a semester where there were no courses available. I missed learning.
“So I signed up to do a science degree.”
Throughout her undergraduate studies, Mary-Claire worked with a number of different research teams, including what is now known as the Hunter Research Foundation Centre and the UON School of Psychology.
“That’s when I got a taste for the absolute pleasure of doing research.”
Sensorimotor gating in ADHD
Mary-Claire stayed on board with the School of Psychology team to conduct her honours project, which was supervised by Associate Professor Frini Karayanidis and Professor Ulli Schall, from the School of Medicine and Public Health.
For her Honours study, she examined sensorimotor gating in young adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Sensorimotor gating is the mind’s way of filtering out unnecessary and potentially disruptive environmental stimuli. Unsurprisingly, it is often disrupted in individuals with neuropsychiatric conditions characterised by poor impulse control, such as ADHD.
“That was one of the first times that in the School of Psychology that a student studied a clinical group.
“It was a great opportunity and from there I just kept on working with Ulli.”
Seduced by schizophrenia
Schizophrenia and psychosis had first been brought to Mary-Claire’s attention a little earlier, when she heard Emeritus Professor Patricia Michie give an impassioned lecture on the psychopathology of schizophrenia.
“I sat there and thought, I could spend the rest of my life studying schizophrenia, and hopefully contributing.
“It’s such a heterogeneous disorder.
“It just blows me away that you can have identical twins who share so much, but not 100% concordance with schizophrenia presentation.”
Mary-Claire went on to do her PhD under the supervision of Ulli and Macquarie University’s Associate Professor Robyn Langdon. Her doctorate focussed on the differences between the ways people with and without schizophrenia interpret sounds.
“It was a new theory, so I designed my own project - it takes guts to take on a student with their own ideas.”
Fostering young researchers
Mary-Claire has taken inspiration from her generous and mindful supervisors in the way she now mentors her own students.
“You’ve got to allow them to be creative and take ownership of their own story while still giving them the tools they need to become independent but collaborative, successful scientists.”
“I really like the coming together of minds with an idea - letting other people contribute their own part of the story, so that it becomes so much more than what it was with just me alone.”
Community management engagement
Mary-Claire’s current research focuses on the translation of findings from the Survey of High Impact Psychosis (SHIP) into practice such that they can benefit people in the community.
SHIP was funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing and supported by SANE Australia. It revealed how Australians living with psychosis cope with their day to day challenges – and gives us clues into the types of resources which would be of most benefit to those in need.
“What we didn't do with SHIP was ask the community management organisations (CMOs) and the mental health services how they go about doing their jobs.
“What are their aims, what are their resources, what do they think their clients need, how do they go about providing it and how do they evaluate it?
“So what I'm seeking to do is engage with these services.”
Mary-Claire is helping CMOs ensure they are providing their clients with the right kind of interventions, and that they have all the resources necessary to inform evidence based practices, in a way that fits their own ethos.
“This all fits really nicely into the National and State Mental Health Commissions from 2015, in that we are recognising that community management is part of the solution for people with a psychotic illness.
“With the outcomes from SHIP, we can also help CMOs with their funding applications - we can use the health economics results to justify services from a financial perspective, as well the actual results. This then helps CMOs provide the services their clients report needing too.
“We’ve got the data – we just need to make it available to the right people.”
A taste for research
Dr Mary-Claire Hanlon has a wealth of experience in psychology, mental health and social science research She’s now looking to foster emerging researchers
Career Summary
Biography
Honours, Masters and PhD projects are listed in OPPORTUNITIES. International PhD candidates: please ensure you have Honours Class 1, deadline is 31st August. I'm interested in holistic well-being.
Briefly: I have experience in fostering health & medical ideas into published research and implemented practice; supervision of postgraduate students and developing medical and allied health professionals' research capacity/competence/confidence. This covers exploratory research, qualitative and quantitative methods, epidemiology, behavioural and neuroimaging techniques, as well as face-to-face interviewing and online surveys. I have trained in psychological and intelligence testing using various means. I was a mature-age student, after working in management and running my own business, so I have a diverse skill-set.
I work to apply the knowledge gained into real-world effects, felt by real people in real communities, and am always looking for bright emerging researchers to foster through post-graduate research, with co-supervisors from various disciplines.
I run The Centre of Serendipity, providing RCB, Exemplar, SCORE, and Measurable ChangeWorkshops, as well as Wellbeing and Public SpeakingWorkshops (especially good for Conferences and Trade Shows). Additionally, I offer Business Startup Workshops for Post-Grad (again, great for conferences). In 2019, I published a book, [RE]BIRTH: Self-Transformation over Tea and Tarot, which forms the basis of more personal workshops. Review copies can be requested from the publisher.
Research Expertise
The University of Newcastle awarded me my PhD in 2013, after I completed my B Science (Honours) in 2004, and my B Science in 2003. I have experience in exploratory health research, cognitive neuroscience, clinical epidemiology, social cognition, auditory processing and sensorimotor gating.
Teaching Expertise
In 2019, UON awarded me a Certificate in Clinical Teaching and Assessment. Over 2013-2018 while working at Calvary Mater Newcastle, I developed and delivered research skills workshops, to enable medical and allied health staff to develop skills in research design, study conduct and data analysis. This has included literature and methodology review, conference presentation skills (and 3-minute thesis coaching), PhD coaching and critical analysis, project startup, granstmanship, reporting, and dissemination skills.
Additionally, I have provided individual tutoring, problem-based learning tutorials, group laboratory demonstration (anatomy and physiology, as well as computer statistics labs) and lecturing. I have marked exams and assignments.
I have taught introductory psychology, 2nd-year statistics / use of SPSS, 2nd-year psychobiology and 2nd-year medicine (problem-based learning). More recently, I have co-supervised at Honours, M Phil and PhD levels (psychology; nutrition and dietetics) and have provided HDR mentoring and PhD coaching.
Community Service and Management Expertise
I served on the CMN Research Committee (2013-18) and the CMN Clinical Ethics Committee (2016-18), and continue to provide international journal reviews. I have provided grant review for Calvary Mater and Hunter Medical Research Institute in various years, and served on various conference organising committees and as treasurer for a small charity called Together We Inspire Growth (TWIG).
I have managed research projects, (including staff, ethics, WHS and finances); as well as training and supervising researchers and service provision staff from multiple sites and disciplines. In a previous life (as I started at UON as a mature-age student) I ran my first business, and managed staff in a large international company.
Collaborations
Over the years, I have been involved in neuroscience, socio-economic research, psychological explorations, epidemiological and symptomatic studies of psychosis, as well as recently dabbling in a little cancer research. This has meant that I have had the pleasure and honour of collaborating with a wide variety of clinicians and researchers, with vast arrays of expertise and experience. And, I have learned valuable lessons each step of the way.
Here at The University of Newcastle, I've learned what research is all about - collaboration, respect, appreciation, honesty and courage - and I've learned it from good people, with high professional and personal integrity.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Science, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Science (Honours), University of Newcastle
Keywords
- Clinician-Researcher Education & Development
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Community Management Research
- Conference Organising
- Course Development
- Diagnostic Interviewing
- Epidemiology
- Evaluation
- Experimental Methodology
- Good Clinical Practice Research Ethics
- Group Facilitation
- Interviewer Training
- Lab Demonstration
- Lecturing
- Literature Review
- Mental Health
- Project Management
- Psychology
- Psychosis
- Quantitative & Qualitative Research
- Research Ethics
- Schizophrenia
- Systematic Review
- Tutoring
Fields of Research
| Code | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 111714 | Mental Health | 50 |
| 160702 | Counselling, Welfare and Community Services | 25 |
| 170110 | Psychological Methodology, Design and Analysis | 25 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
| Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|
| Casual Academic | University of Newcastle School of Psychology Australia |
Academic appointment
| Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|---|
| 2/12/2015 - 4/12/2015 | Multiple Skills Assessment Interviewer for the Joint Medical Program | The University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine Australia |
| 1/5/2012 - 1/9/2012 | Project Manager | Macquarie University Psychology Australia |
| 1/1/2013 - | Research Coordinator - Clinician-Researcher Education, Development & Support | Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital Radiation Oncology Australia |
| 1/9/2009 - |
Site Coordinator and Key Contact - SHIP/SANSP I am the Key Contact for Hunter New England (HNE) and Orange sites for the SANSP. Between 2009 and 2011, as Site Coordinator, I managed the HNE site’s research into people living with psychosis (SANSP), funded by the Federal Department of Health and Ageing. I trained & managed researchers, liaised with staff from HNE Area Health Services and the non-government organisations of Newcastle and surrounds. I managed the recruitment, finances, ethics and data collection [including clinical assessment] and data cleaning as well as some reporting. The project is ongoing, in that we are currently analysing data and preparing manuscripts for publication and conference presentation (5 publications already published, 5 in preparation). I job-shared this position with Dr Linda Campbell; reporting to A/Prof Martin Cohen. (September 2008-the present). Note: There are Honours projects available using these data. |
University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health Australia |
| 1/2/2005 - |
Casual Academic 2015-onwards: As a Conjoint Research Fellow within the Faculty of Health and Medicine, I co-supervise one Nutrition & Dietetics Honours student and one undergraduate Psychology student. 2013: As Casual Academic, I led a small group of 2nd Year Medicine students through “Problem-Based Learning” tutorials; a specialised method of education for which The University of Newcastle is well-respected. (January-July 2013, reporting to MaryJane Dalton and Sue Runciman). 2011: Casual Academic, tutoring Psychobiology (PSYC2400), reporting to Prof Peter Walla and Drs David Guez & Bill Budd. I co-supervised my first Psychology Honours student with Dr Linda Campbell. (July-September 2011). 2005: Casual Academic, tutoring Introductory Psychology courses (PSYC1010 and 1020), Experimental Methodology (PSYC2000), reporting to Drs Stuart Marlin, Deborah Hodgson, and Rachel Heath (February-December 2005). |
University of Newcastle Council Australia |
| 1/5/2008 - 31/12/2010 |
Experimental Coordinator As Experimental Coordinator, I managed the research use of brain scanning equipment and other resources at John Hunter Hospital, for the Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health. This involved co-ordinating researchers and radiographers, liaising with staff from Hunter New England Area Health Services and The University of Newcastle. I reported to Prof Ulli Schall. (May 2008-December 2010). |
University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health Australia |
| 1/8/2002 - 31/12/2008 |
Researcher and Acting Project Manager As a Researcher and Project Manager, I conducted neuropsychological assessments and EEG sessions with participants (with Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia and healthy controls); managing staff and communications, lab supplies and repairs. I conducted a live-to-air interview on ABC Radio for recruitment purposes. I reported to Prof Ulli Schall. (January 2007-May2008). Researcher: I was responsible for advertising an earlier study - recruitment and clinical assessment of participants with and without ADHD, and their data collection, processing and analysis. I wrote opinion pieces for The Herald and The Star (both local newspapers in Newcastle, Australia) and was first author on the resulting publication. This was originally my Honours project, and I continued to collect data for the duration of ethics approval, toward publishing our findings. Chief Investigators were A/Prof Frini Karayanidis and Prof Ulli Schall. (January 2004-December 2008). Researcher: Starting out as a one-semester work experience placement under the supervision of Prof Ulli Schall, I used the LONI Method developed at UCLA in the United States to manipulate magnetic resonance images of participants’ brains for comparison of specific features. The Schizophrenia Research Institute (formerly NISAD) provided a Summer Scholarship for approximately eight weeks (Dec 2002 - Feb 2003) to enable sufficient training. Continuing on from my Summer Scholarship, The University of Newcastle employed me as a research assistant investigating brain differences due to schizophrenia, chronic cannabis use, or both. (August 2002-July 2005). |
University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health Australia |
| 1/8/2003 - 28/2/2004 |
Researcher Researcher: I recruited university students to participate in a social psychology experiment, supervised by Drs Mark Rubin and Stephania Paolini. I ran the experiment, in which the participants did a computer exercise on ingroup and outgroup identification, followed by a short feedback questionnaire. (August 2003-February 2004). |
The University of Newcastle Australia |
| 1/1/2017 - 28/2/2019 |
Multiple Skills Assessment Interviewer for the Joint Medical Program Interviewing Medicine candidates and reviewing MSA stations. |
The University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine School of Medicine and Public Health Australia |
Membership
| Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|---|
| 1/1/2016 - 15/10/2016 | Member, Biological Psychiatry Australia Organising Committee | Biological Psychiatry Australia Australia |
| 1/3/2013 - 30/9/2013 | Member, HCRA Symposium Organising Committee | Organising committee for the 2013 Translational Cancer Research Conference, Newcastle, Australia Australia |
Professional appointment
| Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2/2004 - 31/12/2006 |
Research Coordinator Originally assisting the Director of Hunter Neuroscience (Prof Ulli Schall), as Research Coordinator, I managed the membership database, organised the funding application process, took and distributed minutes from the Steering Committee meetings. I designed the original website and established its presence on the University’s homepage. I wrote profiles and articles for the Hunter Neuroscience newsletter, Insight. Due to the Research Quality Framework and under the Direction of Prof Vaughan Carr, I was heavily involved in merging Hunter Neuroscience with Centre for Mental Health Studies, to form the Priority Research Centre (and HMRI research program), “Centre for Brain & Mental Health Research”. This involved collecting and collating individual research profiles which included publication histories, impact factor calculation and reflecting professional and community influence. The Centre was also known as the Centre for Translational Neuroscience & Mental Health Research. (February 2004-December 2006). |
Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research Australia |
| 1/3/1997 - 31/7/2002 |
Research Assistant I ensured the integrity and accuracy of data being collected in a large-scale ongoing survey conducted by the Foundation for a major NSW State Government Department. While at HVRF I also wrote two chapters of their Newcastle & Hunter Region Year Book, edited by (the late) Robin Mcdonald. |
Hunter Valley Research Foundation Australia |
| 12/7/2018 - |
Change Agent and Facilitator Extraordinaire I provide bespoke workshops (called Measurable Change Workshops) as per client specifications; as well as my own branded workshops for businesses, large organisations, conferences and trade shows. These include:
I also published a self-help book, called [RE]BIRTH: Self-Transformation over Tea and Tarot, which forms the basis of my more personal workshops. Additionally, as needed, I contract to other organisations to assist in change. For example, when merging divisions or locations, when offering redundancies, or when implementing innovations. |
The Centre of Serendipity Australia |
Awards
Recognition
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2007 |
Grant-in-Aid Australasian Society for Psychiatric Research |
| 2007 |
Best Debut Presentation Australasian Society for Psychiatric Research |
Research Award
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2005 |
Australian Postgraduate Award Schizophrenia Research Institute |
| 2005 |
PhD Scholarship Supplement Schizophrenia Research Institute |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Book (2 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 |
Hanlon M-C, Study Skills for Success: How to Learn, Know and Show You re The Expert , The Centre of Serendipity, Newcastle, NSW, Australia, 95 (2020)
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| 2019 |
Hanlon M-C, [RE]BIRTH
Self-Transformation over Tea and Tarot, Balboa Press, USA, 86 (2019)
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Journal article (15 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 |
Mucheru D, Hanlon MC, McEvoy M, Thakkinstian A, MacDonald-Wicks L, 'Comparative efficacy of lifestyle intervention strategies targeting weight outcomes in people with psychosis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis', JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports, 17 1770-1825 (2019) [C1] © 2019 Joanna Briggs Institute. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. Objectives:The objective of this review was to pool and rank the efficacy of lifestyle int... [more] © 2019 Joanna Briggs Institute. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. Objectives:The objective of this review was to pool and rank the efficacy of lifestyle intervention strategies targeting weight, body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio in people with psychosis by comparing the effect size of these weight outcomes. Secondary to this, the objective was to stratify the lifestyle interventions according to their inclusion of dietary information that adheres to Australian Dietary Guidelines.Introduction:People living with psychosis have a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality, with cardiovascular disease a considerable contributor to this risk. Controlling lifestyle risk factors, which include smoking, poor diet and inadequate physical activity, leads to significant weight reduction and decreases cardiovascular disease risk. Previous reviews on this topic have not clearly identified essential components of lifestyle interventions in people with psychosis, mainly due to statistical limitations of analyses. This review employed a network meta-analysis, which compares more than two groups of interventions and ranks them according to efficacy, thus providing a global estimate of effect. Additionally, available reviews have not assessed compliance of dietary information offered in lifestyle interventions to established guidelines.Inclusion criteria:This review considered randomized controlled trials that delivered lifestyle interventions to community-dwelling adults with psychotic disorders. Outcomes of interest included weight, body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio.Methods:The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE/PreMEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus and PsycINFO were searched for studies published in English from 1985 to June 2018. Data were qualitatively summarized, during which lifestyle intervention subgroups were created (based on key similarities) and then compared in direct meta-analyses and network meta-analyses. Assessment of study adherence to Australian Dietary Guidelines was conducted in a narrative format.Results:Thirty-two randomized controlled trials were included, and the overall quality of these studies ranged from what appeared to be low to moderate. Lifestyle intervention studies contained both a dietary and physical activity component, with the exception of two studies that focused solely on physical activity. Delivery of dietary and physical activity information was mainly through education; however, some studies provided additional structure to the intervention by offering tailored advice or helping participants to set goals, and providing regular review of progress for diet, physical activity or both. Results from network-meta-analyses showed that only studies with a structured approach for both diet and physical activity demonstrated significant decreases in weight (effect size =-4.12, 95% confidence interval =-7.772 to-2.760, P = 0.000) and body mass index (effect size =-2.94, 95% confidence interval =-1.78 to-0.357, P = 0.003). Waist circumference subgroup comparisons mainly comprised single studies; therefore, findings were inconclusive. Dietary information provided in studies generally complied with Australian Dietary Guidelines; however, none of the studies complied with all guidelines.Conclusions:Lifestyle interventions incorporating both dietary and physical activity components led to the greatest decreases in weight (4.1 kg) and body mass index (2.9 points) among people with psychosis. Important intervention strategies for both components are the personalization of education through tailored advice or goal setting, and a corresponding progress review. Dietary information in the included studies appeared to comply with the Australian Dietary Guidelines. However, these findings were weakened by an increased risk of bias, complex and multicomponent study designs, and lack of clarity in reporting of study methodology.
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| 2019 |
Mucheru D, Hanlon MC, McEvoy M, MacDonald-Wicks L, 'An appraisal of methodology reporting in lifestyle interventions among people with psychosis: A systematic review', Health Promotion Journal of Australia, (2019) © 2019 Australian Health Promotion Association Issue addressed: Lifestyle interventions use nutrition and physical activity behaviour modification techniques to decrease obesity a... [more] © 2019 Australian Health Promotion Association Issue addressed: Lifestyle interventions use nutrition and physical activity behaviour modification techniques to decrease obesity and cardio-metabolic risk in people with psychosis. Evidence on the specific behaviour modification strategies applied to decrease obesity is weakened by inadequate methodology reporting of lifestyle interventions. A systematic review that we conducted earlier highlighted a possible deficiency in reporting; hence we aim to critically appraise lifestyle intervention studies that target weight outcomes for people with psychosis against the methods component of the CONSORT statement for randomised trials of nonpharmacologic treatments. Methods component: We considered randomised controlled studies which delivered lifestyle interventions to community-dwelling adults with psychotic disorders, and included those with the following outcomes of interest: weight, body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE/PREMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus and PsycINFO were searched for English publications between 1985 and 2018. Methodology and reporting of studies were evaluated using the CONSORT statement for randomised trials of nonpharmacologic treatments. Results: Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Critical appraisals revealed that reporting of lifestyle intervention studies was generally incomplete. Fewer than 50% provided the recommended information on trial design, participant characteristics, detail of interventions, outcomes, sample size, randomisation, blinding and statistical methods. Conclusions: Application of guidelines, like the CONSORT statement, in future publications of lifestyle interventions for people with psychosis will improve accuracy of reporting. So what?: Enhanced reporting in lifestyle intervention studies for people with psychosis will promote guideline creation and translation of research, which is likely to positively impact physical health outcomes.
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| 2018 |
Hanlon MC, Ludbrook J, Jovanovic K, Greer P, Martin JM, 'Fostering a culture of research within a clinical radiation oncology department', Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology, 62 102-108 (2018) [C1] © 2017 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists Introduction: Support and investment in increasing a research-active culture in clinical practice needs to be t... [more] © 2017 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists Introduction: Support and investment in increasing a research-active culture in clinical practice needs to be translated at the department and hospital levels as well as regional, state and national levels. We aimed to improve the research culture of our department, to enable more clinical staff to become more research competent and research active. Methods: We describe and discuss the appointment of a Director of Research and a Research Coordinator into our already-research-active department and the interactions at the research¿clinical interface. By identifying barriers and instituting enablers which ameliorate their effect, we explore how a clinical department can utilize the resources already available with the goal of developing a more confident and competent clinician-researcher culture as measured by a range of research metrics. Results: We observed an improved research culture within our department. Our department's improved research culture was reflected by increased numbers of peer-reviewed publications (of 30%), research students/supervisions (of 60%) and engagement of external speakers. We also observed double the number of first-authored peer-reviewed articles and a growth in conference presentations, posters and speaker invitations/awards. In the majority of the research performance metrics tracked, there was a steady improvement noted over the four years monitored. Conclusions: By responding to the barriers of staff (such as time, expertise and ideas) with structural and personal enablers, as well as funded resources, it is possible to develop research capacity and confidence in a clinical setting.
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| 2018 |
Mucheru D, Hanlon MC, Campbell LE, McEvoy M, MacDonald-Wicks L, 'Cardiovascular disease lifestyle risk factors in people with psychosis: A cross-sectional study', BMC Public Health, 18 (2018) [C1]
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| 2018 |
Hanlon MC, Quidé Y, 'Detecting an intention to communicate from nonword sounds', Psychology and Neuroscience, 11 180-192 (2018) [C1] © 2018 American Psychological Association. Previous research has explained the production and perception of speech and anomalies found in the brains and cognitive abilities of peo... [more] © 2018 American Psychological Association. Previous research has explained the production and perception of speech and anomalies found in the brains and cognitive abilities of people with schizophrenia when compared with mentally healthy controls. One aspect of research that has been lacking is an explanation of auditory verbal hallucinations and referential delusions of communication that combines social cognition theory with neuroimaging evidence, with particular emphasis on detecting an intention to communicate. Developing this knowledge could reduce the difficulties faced in early detection of schizophrenia. This study aimed to find clear evidence that mentally healthy people describe sounds in certain qualitative ways and whether a diagnosis of schizophrenia influences this. Second, it aimed to identify brain regions in mentally healthy adults that are involved in the detection of auditory intention to communicate and to hypothesize regarding what could differ in schizophrenia. We conducted a selective review of literature pertaining to the development of theory of mind and its relationship to schizophrenia, with a focus on the "intention to communicate." We found that mentally healthy people should use certain brain regions, especially the superior and medial temporal gyri, and the way people with schizophrenia use their brains should differ from mentally healthy brain activation patterns shown in functional neuroimaging. Now these links and differences can be examined in more detail, using novel, schizophrenia-relevant tests.
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| 2018 |
Campbell L, Hanlon M-C, Cherrie G, Harvey C, Stain HJ, Cohen M, et al., 'Severity of Illness and Adaptive Functioning Predict Quality of Care of Children Among Parents with Psychotic Disorders: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis.', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 52 435-445 (2018) [C1]
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| 2017 |
Mucheru D, Hanlon MC, Campbell LE, McEvoy M, MacDonald-Wicks L, 'Social dysfunction and diet outcomes in people with psychosis', Nutrients, 9 (2017) [C1] © 2017 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This analysis aimed to examine the association of social dysfunction with food security status, fruit intake, vegetable i... [more] © 2017 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This analysis aimed to examine the association of social dysfunction with food security status, fruit intake, vegetable intake, meal frequency and breakfast consumption in people with psychosis from the Hunter New England (HNE) catchment site of the Survey of High Impact Psychosis (SHIP). Social dysfunction and dietary information were collected using standardised tools. Independent binary logistic regressions were used to examine the association between social dysfunction and food security status, fruit intake, vegetable intake, meal frequency and breakfast consumption. Although social dysfunction did not have a statistically significant association with most diet variables, participants with obvious to severe social dysfunction were 0.872 (95% CI (0.778, 0.976)) less likely to eat breakfast than those with no social dysfunction p < 0.05. Participants with social dysfunction were therefore, 13% less likely to have breakfast. This paper highlights high rates of social dysfunction, significant food insecurity, and intakes of fruits and vegetables below recommendations in people with psychosis. In light of this, a greater focus needs to be given to dietary behaviours and social dysfunction in lifestyle interventions delivered to people with psychosis. Well-designed observational research is also needed to further examine the relationship between social dysfunction and dietary behaviour in people with psychosis.
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| 2017 |
Wilton L, Richardson M, Keats S, Legge K, Hanlon MC, Arumugam S, et al., 'Rectal protection in prostate stereotactic radiotherapy: a retrospective exploratory analysis of two rectal displacement devices', Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, 64 266-273 (2017) [C1] © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Ther... [more] © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy and New Zealand Institute of Medical Radiation Technology Introduction: High rectal doses are associated with increased toxicity. A rectal displacement device (RDD) reduces rectal dose in prostate stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). This study investigates any dosimetric difference between two methods of rectal displacement (Rectafix and SpaceOAR) for prostate SBRT. Methods: Rectal dosimetry of 45 men who received SBRT within the PROMETHEUS trial was retrospectively examined, across two radiation therapy centres using the two RDD's. Men received a total dose (TD) of 19 or 20 Gy in two fractions followed by 46 Gy in 23 fractions. Centre 1 contributed 16 Rectafix and 10 SpaceOAR patients. Centre 2 contributed 19 Rectafix patients. Rectal dose volume histogram (DVH) data were recorded as a TD percentage at the following volume intervals; V1%, V2%, V5%, V10% and then 10% increments to V80%. As only one centre employed both RDD's, three sequential rectal dosimetry comparisons were performed; (1) centre 1 Rectafix versus centre 1 SpaceOAR; (2) centre 1 Rectafix versus centre 2 Rectafix and (3) centre 1+ centre 2 Rectafix versus centre 1 SpaceOAR. Results: In comparison (1) Rectafix demonstrated lower mean doses at 9 out of 11 measured intervals (P = 0.0012). Comparison (2) demonstrated a moderate difference with centre 2 plans producing slightly lower rectal doses (P = 0.013). Comparison (3) further demonstrated that Rectafix returned lower mean doses than SpaceOAR (P < 0.001). Although all dose levels were in favour of Rectafix, in absolute terms differences were small (2.6¿9.0%). Conclusions: In well-selected prostate SBRT patients, Rectafix and SpaceOAR RDD's provide approximately equivalent rectal sparing.
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| 2017 |
Hanlon MC, Campbell LE, Single N, Coleman C, Morgan VA, Cotton SM, et al., 'Men and women with psychosis and the impact of illness-duration on sex-differences: The second Australian national survey of psychosis', Psychiatry Research, 256 130-143 (2017) [C1] © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd We aimed to examine and compare sex-differences in people receiving treatment for psychotic illnesses in community settings, based on long or short dur... [more] © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd We aimed to examine and compare sex-differences in people receiving treatment for psychotic illnesses in community settings, based on long or short duration of illness; expecting association between longer illness-duration and worse outcomes in women and men. Clinical, demographic and service-use data from the Survey of High Impact Psychosis were analysed by sex and duration of illness (=5 years; =6 years), using independent t-tests, chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA, and Cramer's V. Of the 1825 participants, 47% had schizophrenia, 17.5% bipolar and 16.1% schizo-affective disorders. More women than men had undertaken post-school education, maintained relationships, and been living in their own homes. Women with a shorter-illness-duration showed social functioning equivalent to non-ill women in the general population. Men tended to have an early illness onset, show premorbid dysfunction, be single, show severe disability, and to use illicit substances. Men with a longer-illness-duration were very socially disadvantaged and isolated, often experiencing homelessness and substance use. Men with a short-illness-duration were most likely to be in paid employment, but two-thirds earned less than $AUD500 per fortnight. Men with longer-illness-duration showed most disability, socially and globally. Interventions should be guided by diagnosis, but also by a person's sex and duration of illness.
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| 2015 |
Lacey M, Paolini S, Hanlon MC, Melville J, Galletly C, Campbell LE, 'Parents with serious mental illness: Differences in internalised and externalised mental illness stigma and gender stigma between mothers and fathers', Psychiatry Research, 225 723-733 (2015) [C1] © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Research demonstrates that people living with serious mental illness (SMI) contend with widespread public stigma; however, little is known about the s... [more] © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Research demonstrates that people living with serious mental illness (SMI) contend with widespread public stigma; however, little is known about the specific experiences of stigma that mothers, and in particular fathers, with SMI encounter as parents. This study aimed to explore and compare the experiences of stigma for mothers and fathers with SMI inferred not only by living with a mental illness but also potential compounding gender effects, and the associated impact of stigma on parenting. Telephone surveys were conducted with 93 participants with SMI who previously identified as parents in the Second Australian National Survey of Psychosis. Results indicated that mothers were more likely than fathers to perceive and internalise stigma associated with their mental illness. Conversely, fathers were more inclined to perceive stigma relating to their gender and to hold stigmatising attitudes towards others. Mental illness and gender stigma predicted poorer self-reported parenting experiences for both mothers and fathers. These findings may assist in tailoring interventions for mothers and fathers with SMI.
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| 2012 |
Campbell LE, Hanlon M-C, Poon AWC, Paolini S, Stone MJ, Galletly C, et al., 'The experiences of Australian parents with psychosis: The second Australian national survey of psychosis', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 46 890-900 (2012) [C1]
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| 2012 |
Stain HJ, Galletly CA, Clark SC, Wilson JM, Killen EA, Anthes LJ, et al., 'Understanding the social costs of psychosis: The experience of adults affected by psychosis identified within the second Australian national survey of psychosis', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 46 879-889 (2012) [C1]
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| 2009 |
Hanlon M-C, Karayanidis F, Schall UA, 'Intact sensorimotor gating in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder', International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 12 701-707 (2009) [C1]
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| 2007 |
Campbell LE, Hughes ME, Budd TW, Cooper GJ, Fulham WR, Karayanidis F, et al., 'Primary and secondary neural networks of auditory prepulse inhibition: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study of sensorimotor gating of the human acoustic startle response', European Journal of Neuroscience, 26 2327-2333 (2007) [C1]
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Conference (14 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 |
Hanlon MC, 'Exploring the changing service delivery and outcomes in Australia for people with psychotic illnesses', EUROPEAN PSYCHIATRY (2018)
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| 2018 |
Hanlon MC, O'Brien AP, MacIsaac P, Fogarty M, Bjorksten C, Hunt M, et al., 'Quality clozapine care (QC2): Using the patient journey to understand the lived experience of taking clozapine, to improve value-based person-centered care', EUROPEAN PSYCHIATRY (2018)
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| 2017 |
Hanlon M-C, Ludbrook J, Jovanovic K, Greer P, Martin J, 'Nurturing a Research Culture Within a Clinical Radiation Oncology Department', ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY (2017)
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| 2016 |
Neil A, Carr V, Mackinnon A, Waterreus A, Stain H, Hanlon MC, et al., 'A multi-attribute utility instrument suitable for use in individuals with psychosis - the AQoL-4D: Findings from the Second Australian National Survey of Psychosis', EUROPEAN PSYCHIATRY (2016)
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| 2012 |
Hanlon M-C, Cooper GJ, Fulham WR, Langdon R, Schall UA, 'FUNCTIONAL BRAIN IMAGING CORRELATES OF IDENTIFYING INTENTION TO COMMUNICATE IN SCHIZOPHRENIA', SCHIZOPHRENIA RESEARCH (2012)
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| 2012 |
Stain HJ, Galletly C, Clark S, Wilson J, Killen E, Anthes L, et al., 'THE SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES FOR ADULTS EXPERIENCING PSYCHOSIS: FINDINGS FROM THE SECOND AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL SURVEY OF PSYCHOSIS', SCHIZOPHRENIA RESEARCH (2012)
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| 2010 |
Campbell LE, Fulham WR, Hughes M, Provost AL, Hanlon M-C, Karayanidis F, et al., 'Functional magnetic resonance brain imaging study on sensorimotoe gating in schizophrenia and parkinson's disease', Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, Sydney, Australia (2010) [E3]
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| 2008 |
Campbell LE, Fulham WR, Hughes ME, Provost AL, Budd TW, Johnston PJ, et al., 'Multimodel assessment of auditory prepulse inhibition in Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, Newcastle, NSW (2008) [E3]
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| 2008 |
Hanlon M-C, Cooper GJ, Langdon R, Fulham WR, Bucci SR, Schall UA, 'Functional brain imaging of recognition of intention to communicate', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, Newcastle, NSW (2008) [E3]
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| 2008 |
Hanlon M-C, Karayanidis F, Schall UA, 'Intact sensorimotor gating in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, Newcastle, NSW (2008) [E3]
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| 2006 |
Campbell LE, Budd TW, Karayanidis F, Hanlon M-C, Stojanov WM, Johnston PJ, Schall UA, 'Functional brain imaging of auditory prepulse inhibition', Journal of Intellectual Disability Research V50 Suppl 1: Proceedings of the Society for the Study of Behavioural Phenotypes11th Annual Scientific Meeting, Dublin, Ireland (2006) [E3]
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| 2006 |
Campbell L, Budd TW, Fulham R, Hughes M, Karayanidis F, Hanlon M-C, et al., 'Functional brain imaging of auditory prepulse inhibition.', Acta Neuropsychiatr, England (2006)
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| 2006 |
Campbell LE, Budd TW, Karayanidis F, Hanlon M-C, Stojanov WM, Johnston PJ, Schall UA, 'Functional brain imaging of auditory prepulse inhibition', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry (Vol 40, noS2), Fremantle, Western Australia (2006) [E3]
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| 2005 |
Budd TW, Campbell LE, Johnston PJ, Hanlon M-C, Karayanidis F, Schall UA, 'Functional Brain Imaging of Auditory Prepulse Inhibition', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, V39, Suppl: Proceedings of the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Joint CINP/ASPR Scientifice Meeting, Brisbane, Australia (2005) [E3]
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Thesis / Dissertation (1 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 |
Hanlon M, Detecting an intention to communicate: using ToMas to test Theory of Mind in people with schizophrenia and healthy controls, The University of Newcastle (2013)
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Grants and Funding
Summary
| Number of grants | 1 |
|---|---|
| Total funding | $2,000 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20181 grants / $2,000
Travel Grant - Present at International Conference$2,000
Funding body: Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Conference Travel Grant
| Funding body | Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Conference Travel Grant |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Conference Travel Grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2018 |
| Funding Finish | 2018 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
| Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | PhD | Lifestyle Risk Factors and Lifestyle Risk Management in People with Psychosis | PhD (Nutrition & Dietetics), Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Research Projects
CM Engage 2016 -
The aim of this implementation project is to improve the (1) interface between publicly-funded and Community Managed services for people with psychotic illnesses, and (2) uptake of evidence-based interventions and evaluations by Community Managers (defined as community-managed organisations and community mental health teams).
Community Managers’ goals-for-change become Participatory Action Research (PAR) projects in which representatives from all stakeholders participate actively in research projects which are relevant to their own service delivery.
The specific research design of these sub-studies reflects the targets, resources and goals of the participating stakeholders. The outcome of this enhanced interface and evidence uptake should be the much-improved wellbeing and quality of life of the persons with psychotic illnesses who are supported by those Community Managers.
CASTIDE - Cancer and STI differences in experience 2018 -
People are increasingly experiencing a dual diagnosis – being told they have cancer and a sexually transmitted infection (STI) called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The good news is, that if they are P16-positive, then their prognosis is better than if their cancer was caused by smoking or alcohol abuse. The bad news is, that getting a P16-positive result also means they have HPV, an incurable STI that has the potential to cause problems in their relationships (both current and future).
It is unknown how the experiences of these patients differ from those with cancer alone, or HPV alone (or other virally-transmitted STIs like Human Immune-Deficiency Virus [HIV] or Herpes Simplex Virus [HSV]).
The aim of the project is to describe the experience of diagnosis, treatment, and referral to other allied health professionals such as psychologists and social workers, as well as short-term psychological and social effects of three groups – those with the dual diagnosis described above, those with cancer alone, and those with a virally transmitted STI (HPV, HIV and/or HSV).
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Research Opportunities
PhD Project: CM Engage Health Economics
An economic evaluation using a healthcare system perspective and impact analysis of the cost and consequences of a Proactive Outreach to Community Managers of people with psychotic illnesses
PHD
Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research (CBMHR)
1/1/2019 - 1/7/2022
Contact
Doctor Mary-Claire Hanlon
University of Newcastle
School of Psychology
mary-claire.hanlon@newcastle.edu.au
PhD Project: SHIP Rural and Remote Replication
Replicating the Survey of High Impact Psychosis in HNE rural and remote areas, using Telehealth
PHD
Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research (CBMHR)
1/1/2019 - 1/7/2022
Contact
Doctor Mary-Claire Hanlon
University of Newcastle
School of Psychology
mary-claire.hanlon@newcastle.edu.au
PhD Project: ToMas - Neuroimaging Project
A neuroimaging study using auditory non-word stimuli to test theory of mind in people with psychotic symptoms
PHD
Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research (CBMHR)
1/1/2019 - 1/7/2022
Contact
Doctor Mary-Claire Hanlon
University of Newcastle
School of Psychology
mary-claire.hanlon@newcastle.edu.au
PhD Project: Implementing an Evidence-Based Healthy Living Program in a Community-Managed Organisation
If you read the PhD outputs by Doreen Mucheru, you'll see that the evidence base has been established and the CMO sourced. It's now time to do the implementation, measure the gains, and see how they are sustained over your candidature!
Postdoctoral
Faculty of Health and Medicine
6/9/2019 - 31/8/2022
Contact
Doctor Mary-Claire Hanlon
University of Newcastle
School of Psychology
mary-claire.hanlon@newcastle.edu.au
Dr Mary-Claire Hanlon
Positions
Conjoint Lecturer
School of Medicine and Public Health
Faculty of Health and Medicine
Casual Academic
School of Psychology
Faculty of Science
Contact Details
| mary-claire.hanlon@newcastle.edu.au | |
| Links |
Personal webpage |
Office
| Location | The Centre of Serendipity , |
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