Research
Join our Volunteer Research Register
Volunteers wanted for research into a new depression treatment

Volunteers wanted for research into depression and bipolar disorder

Black Dog eCards
Black Dog eCards

Send someone an eCard for depression.

Black Dog Books
Black Dog Books

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

Participate in our research

Join our Volunteer Research Regsiter and we will send you email invitations to participate in studies that you might be eligible for.

 

GENETIC STUDY OF BIPOLAR DISORDERS [PDF, 52KB]
This research study is aiming to identify the genes that predispose someone to developing bipolar disorder. We are looking for families with two or more people affected by bipolar disorder. The participants of the study are notified of the progress of the study annually and at the end of the study they will be provided with a report.
To express an interest in participating in this genetic study, please call:
(02) 9382 3715 or 1800 269 269 or email bipolargenetics@unsw.edu.au

DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION (DCS or tDCS) [PDF, 52KB] (Also known as Mild Brain Stimulation - MBS)
Researchers are investigating direct current stimulation (DCS or tDCS) (AKA mild brain stimulation or MBS) as a treatment for depression and potential alternative to medication and electroconvulsive therapy. Very weak currents are used to stimulate the brain.  The direct current stimulation (DCS or tDCS) is painless with no known serious side effects, and the person is fully awake and alert during the 20 minute treatment sessions.
Listen to the director of the study answer some FAQs [2 minute Macromedia Breeze Presentation - best with broadband internet connection]
Read a News Release [PDF, 25KB]
Read the flyer [PDF, 52KB]

LASER ACUPUNCTURE IN DEPRESSION [PDF, 90KB]
This study will determine the effectiveness of laser acupuncture in the treatment of depression.  Participants will be allocated to laser or placebo treatment.  Laser acupuncture will involve 12 sessions of low level therapeutic laser on known acupuncture points, given twice a week for 4 weeks then once weekly for a further 4 weeks.  Participants who receive placebo will be invited to have active laser acupuncture, after their 3 month post laser acupuncture assessment has been completed. Laser acupuncture has been used in general practice for over 25 years.  It is useful in many conditions.  No needles are used and there is no discomfort.
Read the flyer [PDF, 90KB]

MBCT (MINDFULNESS-BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY) FOR BIPOLAR DISORDER [PDF, 23KB]
An innovative maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder is now being offered that aims to reduce relapse of bipolar episodes as well as reduce levels of stress and anxiety. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce rates of relapse in unipolar depression but this has yet to be investigated in bipolar disorder.
The program involves random allocation to either mindfulness-based cognitive therapy or treatment as usual (with the addition of bipolar education material). The therapy will be conducted in a group run by psychologists and is held on a weekly basis for 8 weeks in Randwick. If you are interested in participating, please call 02 9382 9266 or email mindfulbipolar@unsw.edu.au
Read the flyer [PDF, 88KB]

MELANCHOLIC DEPRESSION TREAMENT TRIAL [PDF, 51KB]
The Black Dog Institute is currently running a treatment trial for individuals who are currently experiencing melancholic depression. The trial consists of three separate treatments which include: individual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; OR treatment with an antidepressant; OR treatment with a combination of psychotropic medications. Please note: you will be randomly allocated to one of these treatment groups. The purpose of this trial is to investigate the most effective treatment option for individuals with melancholic depression.
Read the flyer [PDF, 51KB]
Read the news release [PDF, 88KB]

ONLINE WRITING STUDY - ANNOUNCEMENT
The Online Writing Study is now closed for registration. We would like to thank all our participants for the dedication and efforts over the course of the study. We had a fantastic response to the study, and reached a total of 1002 participants. The data from the study will be analysed over the coming months, and is expected to be published in an academic journal later in the year. We will post a note on the Black Dog Website when this happens, and will also notify all participants by email (at the email address each participant provided during registration).

If you are a current participant, and require information, please email the Online Writing Team at onlinewriting@unsw.edu.au. If you need to download another copy of the “Health Professional Visits Form”, you can do so at the link below

GP & Health Professionals Visit Form [Word Document]

Once again, thank you all for your participation, and willingness to help us explore the role that writing can play in the treatment of mood disorders.

TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION (TMS) [PDF, 27KB]
TMS is a treatment where strong magnetic fields are used to stimulate the brain through a simple coil held to the head. It is a potential alternative treatment for depression. We are currently seeking adolescents with depression (15-18 years) for our research treatment studies.
Read the flyer [PDF, 27KB]

The documents on this page can be downloaded and printed using Adobe Acrobat.