The following information sheets have been written specifically for consumers and provide a range of information. These sheets may be printed off and given to your patients or used in other ways as appropriate in your practice.
We also have fact Sheets on depression and bipolar disorder available for download.
If you have any handy aids that you think would be helpful - or ideas for development - please bring them to our attention by contacting our Head of Psychological Services, A/Prof Vijaya Manicavasagar on 02 9382 4320 or v.manicavasagar@unsw.edu.au
The documents on this page can be downloaded and printed using Adobe Acrobat. 
The Daily Mood Graph is for completion by patients with bipolar disorder, allowing the course of bipolar disorder to be charted and any benefits of medication to be quantified. Ratings should be made at the end of the day. Patients should be instructed to place an 'X' in the box which represents their mood across the day, using the following scale: +3, +2, +1 = 'Highs', where +3 = severe, +2 = moderate, +1 = slight. Whereas, -3, -2, -1 = 'Lows', where -3 = severe, -2 = moderate, -1 = slight represent equivalent depression severity ratings. 0 = Normal mood state. Patients can also record both depressed and high mood states on any one day, by placing an X in the relevant boxes. You will need to instruct the patient as to how to complete this form.
Download the 'Daily Mood Graph'. [PDF, 36KB]
Contains a daily mood chart to give a global assessment on a day-to-day basis of mood, sleep, activities, significant events (both positive and negative), changes in medication and any other factors likely to influence depression. There is advice on how to use the chart and also suggestions on keeping a journal and lists to take on vists to clinicians.
Download the 'Daily Mood Chart'. [PDF, 147KB]
The DRS is a useful form for clinicians to give to their patients for daily charting to determine response to treatment and whether improvement occurs across all or several parameters. The DRS and its psychometric properties were described in a 2003 paper (Parker, G., Roy, K., 2003, 'The development of a six-item daily report measure', Journal of Affective Disorders, 73: 289-294).
Download the 'Daily Rating Scale'. [PDF, 91KB]
Although this Treatment Chart was originally developed for completion by patients prior to their initial appointment at one of our clinics, it may also be a useful resource for patients attending your practice for the first time. The Chart allows the patient to complete details of all treatments (eg. psychological interventions such counselling, psychotherapy, anti-depressant medication, ECT) they have received, and describe how helpful these treatments have been. To assist the patient, a sample chart is included with the form, as well as a treatment identification list. You may find it useful with all new patients or those with more severe or treatment resistant conditions.
Download the 'Treatment Chart'. [PDF, 108KB]
This information sheet has been adapted from 'Dealing with Depression: A common sense guide to mood disorders' by Prof. Gordon Parker. It may be a useful resource for patients attending your practice for the first time.
Download the 'Patient Information' sheet. [PDF, 80KB]
This information sheet is intended to illustrate a number of techniques for relaxation - some involving visualisation, other muscle relaxation, others concentrate on breathing - as no single technique suits everyone. The user is encouraged to try them all, rate them out of ten and use the one(s) that seem most effective.
Download 'Quick Relaxation Techniques'. [PDF, 70KB]
This information sheet provides some starting points for dealing with emotional expressions, and resources for ways of dealing with anger. There are also some helpful books and websites listed.
Download 'Dealing with Anger and Impulsivity'. [PDF, 153KB]
Goal setting is a useful technique in almost any situation, but has many significant benefits for people who have been depressed and/or suicidal. The sheet suggests making goals for self, others and occupation within an individual time-frame.
Download 'Goal Setting'. [PDF, 53KB]
This handout is to be used in conjunction with the Goal Setting sheet. It is a practical tool to assist in identifying the priorities for change potential.
Download 'Appraising Change'. [PDF, 40KB]
Mindfulness is a form of self-awareness training adapted from Buddhist mindfulness meditation. It has been adapted for use in treatment of depression, for assisting with mood regulation and preventing relapse. Several easy techniques are outlined with some useful references listed.
Download 'Mindfulness in Everyday Life'. [PDF, 81 KB]
This information sheet contains a series of strategies for those who are stressed and looking for ways of dealing with their stress. There are also some helpful books and websites listed.
Download 'Hints to Avoid Harmful Stress'. [PDF, 55KB]
This sheet is to be completed by the patient with a health professional. It identifies predisposing factors and precipitants with a view to establishing protective factors and coping strategies.
Download 'Understanding Your Depressive Episode' [PDF, 209KB]
Page last updated: 8-Apr-2009
Depression and Bipolar Disorder Information Australia - Black Dog Institute.
Copyright © 2009 Black Dog Institute
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