Associate Professor Litza Kiropoulos

The University of Melbourne, VIC

Associate Professor Litza Kiropoulos is a researcher at Melbourne University’s Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences. Professor Kiropoulos’ clinical work allowed her to gain insight into the lack of evidence-based mental health interventions for depression and anxiety available to people with MS, which has been the drive for her research. She enjoys the diversity of her work as an academic and scientist-clinician and works across a variety of settings – at the university, hospital and psychology clinics.

About Associate Professor Litza Kiropoulos

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself
I love gardening and have recently got back into running! I also make a nice bundt chocolate cake (according to my sons!)
What inspired you to get involved in MS research?
My clinical work which allowed me to gain insight into the various issues that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) could face. The lack of evidence-based mental health interventions for depression and anxiety available to people with MS - so I went on to do something about this!
What do you think has been the most exciting development in MS research?
The use of different modalities such as telehealth for therapy to assist people with MS access evidence-based mental health care. Telehealth can overcome barriers for people with MS and enable them to access appropriate mental healthcare.
Tell us about your current research project
ACTION-MS online is an online depression intervention targeting people with MS who are experiencing depressive symptoms such as low mood and related symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, sleep and pain disturbances. It is an eight-week intervention where individuals follow an interactive online program that helps them build skills to manage depressive and related symptoms. ACTION-MS online has been co-designed with people who have MS and their carers and health professionals who work with people with MS.
Why is your research important and how will it influence the understanding and treatment of MS?
ACTION-MS online is the first interactive evidence-based tailored cognitive behavioural therapy for mild to moderate depression in those with MS. Results from the current trial will provide information about whether this intervention contributes to clinically meaningful changes for people with MS in terms of improvements in mood, anxiety, quality of life, pain, fatigue and sleep. The ACTION-MS intervention will be embedded within the current care pathways offered in MS centres in Australia and Canada.
What do you enjoy most about working in the lab and what are some of the challenges you face?
I have the privilege to work as an academic and scientist-clinician and work across a variety of settings - at the university, hospital and psychology clinics. At the University of Melbourne, I head the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Lab within the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences where I lead a program in mood and anxiety disorders. It’s a balancing act but very fulfilling!
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Litza Kiropoulos