
Overview
Background
John McGrath AM, MBBS, MD, PhD, FRANZCP, FAHMS
John McGrath is a psychiatrist interested in discovering the causes of serious mental disorders. He is the Director of the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research and conjoint Professor at the Queensland Brain Institute His research aims to generate and evaluate nongenetic risk factors for schizophrenia. He has forged productive cross-disciplinary collaborations linking risk factor epidemiology with developmental neurobiology. For example, John and his colleagues have made discoveries linking prenatal vitamin D and later risk of mental illness in the offspring. In addition, John has supervised major systematic reviews of the epidemiology of schizophrenia. He was awarded a John Cade Fellowship by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. In 2016 he was also awarded a Neils Bohr Professorship by the Danish National Research Foundation.
Availability
- Professor John McGrath is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery and Medical Science, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
Research interests
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The association between vitamin D status and brain outcomes
In collaboration with Darryl Eyles, we are measuring early life vitamin D status and exploring if this changes the risk of later developing serious mental illness. These studies are in collaboration with colleagues in Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands.
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The demographic and clinical correlates of psychotic-like experiences
Using two large surveys conducted in Australia in 1997 and 2007, our group have undertaken a suite of studies designed to understand the clinical relevance of isolated psychotic-like experiences. Over recent years we have published many papers on this topic, and have made important contributions with respect to how psychotic-like experiences are associated with (a) an increased risk of later psychotic disorders (based on the MUSP study), (b) depression, anxiety and substance use disorders, (c) a family history of mental illness, (d) exposure to trauma, (e) an increased risk of suicidal ideation and behaviour, (f) general physical health, and (g) help-seeking.
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The Survey of High Impact Psychosis (SHIP)
Our group was one of seven sites involved in the design and administration of the second Australian Survey of psychotic disorders. In collaboration with a large national team, we continue to explore key issues related to the needs of people with psychosis in Australia.
Research impacts
The Epidemiology team are interested in the frequency measures related to serious mental disorders (e.g. incidence, prevalence, mortality, recovery/remission). We are also interested in the clinical and demographic correlates of adverse mental health outcomes – some of these may be modifiable risk factors and thus important from a public health perspective. We use large, community-based surveys, and birth cohorts. Our focus has been on psychotic disorders and psychotic-like experiences in the general population. In addition, we are examining the links between early life vitamin D status and risk of later mental illness, by directly measuring vitamin D (in collaboration with Darryl Eyles and many international collaborators).
Works
Search Professor John McGrath’s works on UQ eSpace
2006
Journal Article
Psychotic-like experiences in the general community: The correlates of CIDI psychosis screen items in an Australian sample
Scott, James, Chant, David, Andrews, Gavin and McGrath, John (2006). Psychotic-like experiences in the general community: The correlates of CIDI psychosis screen items in an Australian sample. Psychological Medicine, 36 (2), 231-238. doi: 10.1017/S0033291705006392
2006
Journal Article
Association study of the dystrobrevin-binding gene with schizophrenia in Australian and Indian samples
Holliday, Elizabeth G., Handoko, Herlina Y., James, Michael R., McGrath, J. J., Nertney, Deborah A., Tirupati, Sujit, Thara, Rangaswamy, Levinson, Douglas F., Hayward, Nicholas K., Mowry, Bryan J. and Nyholt, Dale R. (2006). Association study of the dystrobrevin-binding gene with schizophrenia in Australian and Indian samples. Twin Research and Human Genetics, 9 (4), 531-539. doi: 10.1375/183242706778025035
2006
Journal Article
Developmental vitamin D deficiency alters MK 801-induced hyperlocomotion in the adult rat: An animal model of schizophrenia
Kesby, James P., Burne, Thomas H.J., McGrath, John J. and Eyles, Darryl W. (2006). Developmental vitamin D deficiency alters MK 801-induced hyperlocomotion in the adult rat: An animal model of schizophrenia. Biological Psychiatry, 60 (6), 591-596. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.02.033
2006
Conference Publication
The DVD animal model of schizophrenia: Effects of low maternal vitamin D on brain dopamine
Eyles, D. W., Ko, P., Kesby, J. P., Burne, H. J. and McGrath, J. (2006). The DVD animal model of schizophrenia: Effects of low maternal vitamin D on brain dopamine. XIIIth Biennial Winter Workshop on Schizophrenia Research, Davos, Switzerland, 4-10 February 2006. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2006.01.006
2006
Journal Article
Evolutionary theories of schizophrenia: 'Big ideas' or the soft underbelly of schizophrenia research?
McGrath, JJ (2006). Evolutionary theories of schizophrenia: 'Big ideas' or the soft underbelly of schizophrenia research?. Schizophrenia Research, 81, 34-34.
2006
Conference Publication
Recovery from schizophrenia - A systematic review and meta-analysis
Miettunen, J, Lauronen, E, Veijola, J, McGrath, JJ and Isohanni, M (2006). Recovery from schizophrenia - A systematic review and meta-analysis. 13th Biennial Winter Workshop on Schizophrenia Research, Davos Switzerland, Feb 04-10, 2006. AMSTERDAM: ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV.
2006
Journal Article
Season of birth is associated with anthropometric and neurocognitive outcomes during infancy and childhood in a general population birth cohort
McGrath, J. J., Saha, S., Lieberman, D. E. and Buka, S. (2006). Season of birth is associated with anthropometric and neurocognitive outcomes during infancy and childhood in a general population birth cohort. Schizophrenia Research, 81 (1), 91-183. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2005.07.017
2006
Conference Publication
A systematic review of the prevalence of schizophrenia
Saha, S, Chant, D. C., Welham, J. L. and McGrath, J. J. (2006). A systematic review of the prevalence of schizophrenia. XIIIth Biennial Winter Workshop on Schizophrenia Research, Davos, Switzerland, 4-10 February 2006. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2006.01.006
2006
Conference Publication
The incidence and prevalence of schizophrenia varies with latitude
Saha, S, Chant, DC, Welham, J and McGrath, JJ (2006). The incidence and prevalence of schizophrenia varies with latitude. 13th Biennial Winter Workshop on Schizophrenia Research, Davos Switzerland, Feb 04-10, 2006. AMSTERDAM: ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV.
2006
Journal Article
The diagnostic interview for psychoses (DIP): development, reliability and applications
Castle, D. J., Jablensky, A., McGrath, J. J., Carr, V., Morgan, V., Waterreus, A., Valuri, G., Stain, H., McGuffin, P. and Farmer, A. (2006). The diagnostic interview for psychoses (DIP): development, reliability and applications. Psychological Medicine, 36 (1), 69-80. doi: 10.1017/S0033291705005969
2006
Journal Article
A systematic review of mortality in individuals with schizophrenia: preliminary results
Saha, S, Chant, D, Welham, J and McGrath, J (2006). A systematic review of mortality in individuals with schizophrenia: preliminary results. Australian And New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 40, A134-A134.
2006
Conference Publication
Educational and vocational outcomes in the offspring of individuals with schizophrenia
Terzian, A, Andreoli, SB, McGrath, JJ and Mari, JJ (2006). Educational and vocational outcomes in the offspring of individuals with schizophrenia. 13th Biennial Winter Workshop on Schizophrenia Research, Davos Switzerland, Feb 04-10, 2006. AMSTERDAM: ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV.
2006
Journal Article
Clinical and demographic features of treated first-episode psychotic disorders: A Zambian study
Mbewe, E., Haworth, A., Welham, J., Mubanga, D., Chazulwa, R., Zulu, M. M., Mayeya, J. and McGrath, J. J. (2006). Clinical and demographic features of treated first-episode psychotic disorders: A Zambian study. Schizophrenia Research, 86 (1-3), 202-207. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2006.03.046
2006
Journal Article
Cell cycle alterations in biopsied olfactory neuroepithelium in schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder using cell culture and gene expression analyses
McCurdy, Richard D., Feron, Francois, Perry, Chris, Chant, David C., McLean, Duncan, Matigian, Nick, Hayward, Nicholas K., McGrath, John J. and Mackay-Sim, Alan (2006). Cell cycle alterations in biopsied olfactory neuroepithelium in schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder using cell culture and gene expression analyses. Schizophrenia Research, 82 (2-3), 163-173. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2005.10.012
2006
Journal Article
Variations in the incidence of schizophrenia: Data versus dogma
McGrath, J. J. (2006). Variations in the incidence of schizophrenia: Data versus dogma. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 32 (1), 195-197. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbi052
2006
Journal Article
Developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency in the rat alters adult behaviour independently of HPA function
Eyles, D. W., Rogers, F., Buller, K., McGrath, J. J., Ko, P., French, K. and Burne, T. H. J. (2006). Developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency in the rat alters adult behaviour independently of HPA function. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 31 (8), 958-964. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2006.05.006
2006
Conference Publication
Psychotic-like experiences in the general community: The correlates of CIDI psychosis screen items in an Australian sample
Scott, J, Chant, D, Andrews, G and McGrath, J (2006). Psychotic-like experiences in the general community: The correlates of CIDI psychosis screen items in an Australian sample. XIIIth Biennial Winter Workshop on Schizophrenia Research, Davos, Switzerland, 4-10 February, 2006. Amsterdam: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2006.01.006
2006
Book Chapter
Prenatal Vitamin D Deficiency and Brain Development
Burne, T. H. J., McGrath, J. J., MacKay-Sim, A. and Eyles, D. W. (2006). Prenatal Vitamin D Deficiency and Brain Development. Vitamin D: New Research. (pp. 153-172) edited by Veronica D. Stolzt. USA: Nova Science Publishers Inc.
2006
Journal Article
Swimming behaviour and post-swimming activity in Vitamin D receptor knockout mice
Burne, Thomas H. J., Johnston, Amy N. B., McGrath, John J. and Mackay-Sim, Alan (2006). Swimming behaviour and post-swimming activity in Vitamin D receptor knockout mice. Brain Research Bulletin, 69 (1), 74-78. doi: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2005.10.014
2006
Conference Publication
Functional and molecular alterations to cell cycle are seen in biopsied olfactory neuroepithelium from patients with schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder
McCurdy, R. D., Feron, F., Perry, C., Chant, D. C., McLean, D., Matigian, N., Hayward, N. K., McGrath, J. J. and Mackay-Sim, A. (2006). Functional and molecular alterations to cell cycle are seen in biopsied olfactory neuroepithelium from patients with schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. XIIIth Biennial Winter Workshop on Schizophrenia Research, Davos, Switzerland, 4-10 February, 2006. Amsterdam: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2006.01.006
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor John McGrath is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Completed supervision
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Mental Disorders and Physical Activity: Epidemiological Analyses using Australian Datasets
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James Scott
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
The mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Harvey Whiteford
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2010
Doctor Philosophy
The antecedents of schizophrenia, a birth cohort study
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Gail Williams
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2007
Doctor Philosophy
AWARENESS OF MULTIPLE DIMENSIONS OF INSIGHT INTO SCHIZOPHRENIA: A COMPARISON OF PATIENTS WITH THEIR RELATIVES AND CLINICIANS
Principal Advisor
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Contrasting the Expression of Psychotic Disorders in Ethnically Different Populations
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bryan Mowry
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
The role of adult vitamin D deficiency in cognition and brain function in mice
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Thomas Burne
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Neurochemical and neurophysiological bases of executive control
Associate Advisor
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
The effect of developmental vitamin D3 deficiency on brain development, immune function and behaviour in the adult rat
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Thomas Burne, Professor Darryl Eyles
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
The prevalence and correlates of psychotic-like experiences in the Australian community
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Graham Martin
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2005
Doctor Philosophy
Startle eyeblink modification: Associations with haloperidol, caffeine and nicotine in schizophrenia-spectrum and health individuals
Associate Advisor
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2003
Doctor Philosophy
INFORMATION PROCESSING AND PSYCHOSIS
Associate Advisor
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2003
Doctor Philosophy
THE ASSESSMENT OF THE DYSEXECUTIVE SYNDROME IN INDIVIDUALS WITH PSYCHOSIS
Associate Advisor
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2002
Doctor Philosophy
THE ELECTRO-PHYSIOLOGY OF WORKING MEMORY IN SCHIZOPHRENIA
Associate Advisor
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2002
Doctor Philosophy
MOLECULAR CANDIDATES FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bryan Mowry
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor John McGrath directly for media enquiries about:
- Brain development
- Neuroscience
- Schizophrenia
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