Synopsis

Brain development and psychopathology.

Summary

Study name Families And Childhood Transitions Study
Study abbreviation FACTS
Current principal investigator/s A/Prof Sarah Whittle, Dr Julian Simmons, Prof. Nicholas Allen
Current project manager Dr Julian Simmons
Cohort representative (study contact) Dr Julian Simmons
Postal address Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Level 3 Alan Gilbert Building, 161 Barry Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053
Phone +613 90358318
Email jgs@unimelb.edu.au
Primary Institution The University of Melbourne
Major funding sources The Australian Research Council
Study website medicine.unimelb.edu.au/research-groups/psychiatry-research/melbourne-neuropsychiatry-centre/social-affective-neurodevelopment-sand
Key reference Simmons, J. G., Schwartz, O. S., Bray, K., Deane, C., Pozzi, E., Richmond, S., et al. (2017). Study protocol: families and childhood transitions study (FACTS) – a longitudinal investigation of the role of the family environment in brain development and risk for mental health disorders in community based children. BMC Pediatrics, 17(1), 153–166. doi: 10.1186/s12887-017-0905-x 
Are data available outside study team? Yes, but requirement that analyses and arising publications will be carried out in collaboration with at least one of the principal investigators.
Study focus Brain development and psychopathology
Sampling frame Families with 8-year old children living in Melbourne suburbs in lowest tertile of SEIFA SES.
Year commenced 2013
Commencement sample 160
Intergenerational? No 
Imaging MRI, DWI and fMRI at two time points. 
Linkage No
Biosamples? Saliva samples and hair samples at both time points. 
Ethics approvals or requirements? Specific consent

Waves

Wave Year Age (mean, range) Eligible sample
1  2013 – 2015 8.44, 8-9 years 163
2  2015 – 2017 9.99, 9-11 years 156