Black Dog Books
Black Dog Books

The Institute has published a number of books for consumers and health professionals.

The following case studies were prepared by Professor Gordon Parker and published in Medical Observer. They are reproduced here with the kind permission of Medical Observer.

Objective

This series is designed to illustrate two key issues that underpin the Institute's approach to the mood disorders. Firstly, rather than viewing depression as an 'it', we argue that there are multiple types and patterns, commonly reflecting quite differing causes. The case study series presents common diagnostic subtypes and patterns and highlights how it is just as important to address the cause of the depression as well as treat the depression itself.

  • The fallout from family secrets (14 November 2008) [PDF, 122KB]
  • 'No worries' a cause for concern (17 October 2008) [PDF, 75KB] - As doctors, we expect that patients will present with problems, but if they deny any, what is the problem?
  • A late-life crisis (1 June 2007) [PDF, 50KB] - Just as 60 is now the new 50, mid-life crises are being taken up by a more elderly cohort.
  • A compulsion to shop (4 May 2007) [PDF, 64KB] - Compulsive buying disorder is a diagnosis that pathologises the 'shop til you drop' philosophy of many.
  • The provocative patient (6 April 2007) [PDF, 56KB]- Treating a patient who feels he's been let down by all.
  • Bypassing the rule of parsimony (9 March 2007) [PDF, 73KB]- The clinical world does not always reflect the theory.
  • Late-onset melancholia (9 February 2007) [PDF, 69KB]- Melancholic depression with a vascular cause creates management difficulties.
  • Depression and anxiety: the difference (8 December 2006) [PDF, 55KB] - A middle-aged woman seeks to overcome the incapacitation effects of anxiety.
  • Too nice for their own good (3 November 2006) [PDF, 55KB]- Why being too nice can be a marker of high risk for depression.
  • A patchwork of problems (13 October 2006) [PDF, 87KB]- What is driving a middle-aged mother's frustration and irritability?
  • Retirement blues (15 September 2006) [PDF, 77KB]- Is retirement a cause of depression?
  • Constant craving (18 August 2006) [PDF, 59KB]- Does craving chocolate signal a particular type of depression?
  • Mind over matter (21 July 2006) [PDF, 70KB]- Inappropriate therapy unmasks severe underlying anxiety and guilt.
  • The depression she had to have (23 June 2006) [PDF, 95KB] - Depression characterised by 'anxious worrying' is particularly responsive to SSRIs.
  • The years should not condemn (26 May 2006) [PDF, 62KB] - Childhood trauma has a long-term and devastating impact for an elderly woman.
  • A fortunate escape (28 April 2006) [PDF, 66KB] - A farmer's despair is not as obvious as it seems.
  • On keys and locks (31 March 2006) [PDF, 66KB] - A woman's depression after surgery is linked to childhood events.
  • Battling an emotional roller coaster (3 March 2006) [PDF, 82KB] - A successful female lawyer’s fluctuating moods leave her private life in a state of chaos and dysfunction.
  • Hidden obsessions (3 February 2006) [PDF, 78KB] - Deeper investigation uncovers the complex cause of a woman’s chronic depression.
  • The vulnerable, silent type (9 December 2005) [PDF, 73KB] - The suicide attempt of an apparently well-adjusted young man perplexes his family.
  • Analysing psychosis (11 November 2005) [PDF, 82KB]- The psychosis was obvious and profound, but what was the underlying diagnosis - schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder?
  • Highs and lows of mood disorder (30 September 2005) [PDF, 81KB]- A young woman presents with an eight-year history of debilitating depressive episodes - bipolar II disorder is diagnosed.
  • Persistent melancholia (2 September 2005) [PDF, 76KB]- Once again a perfectionistic patient suffers depression - but this time melancholia is the diagnosis.
  • Paralysed by perfection (5 August 2005) [PDF, 80KB]- A 52-year-old school teacher presents with treatment-resistant depression, with perfectionism having put the patient at risk to a non-melancholic depression.
  • Introduction to the series (8 July 2005) [PDF, 82KB]- the need for a ‘horses for courses’ approach in diagnosing and managing mood disorders, with cause often shaping treatment options (and an unusual case history – where antidepressants caused depression to worsen).