Brad Roberts
Brad Roberts is a PhD candidate in the School of Biological Sciences working at the Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science (QEII Medical Centre). Brad’s PhD focuses on evaluating the clinical application of pharmacogenetic testing and neuromodulation in the treatment of mental health in youth.
Pharmacogenetics is the study of how our individual genetic makeup can influence how our bodies absorb, distribute, metabolise, and excrete medication. By analysing the variation within genes involved in drug metabolism, pharmacogenetics can inform drug choice and dosing on a patient-specific level. Brad’s long-term interest in youth mental health along with his background in personalised medicine, has led him to investigate the use of pharmacogenetic testing in tailoring antidepressant medication for youth with depression and anxiety. Brad’s research will also investigate individuals with treatment-resistant depression, examining whether pharmacogenetic testing can predict treatment-resistance to streamline youth onto alternative non-drug therapies, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Brad’s goal is to improve the efficiency of treatment pathways in clinical care for youth with mental ill-health, encouraging the incorporation of personalised medicine to facilitate a movement away from the traditional “one-size-fits-all” treatment approach.
Supervisors
A/Prof. Jennifer Rodger, Prof. Anthony Akkari, Prof. Sean Hood
Contact
Keywords: Pharmacogenetics | Personalised Medicine | Youth Mental Health | Depression and Anxiety | Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation