Download a PDF of the 2012 Annual Report - Black Dog Institute

Psychological PracticesIn recent times, Associate Professor Manicavasagarhas overseen the expansion of psychologicalservices within the various project streams at theInstitute. The new emphasis is on offering an ongoingclinical psychology service to patients referred byBlack Dog Institute psychiatrists as well as by directreferrals from general practitioners and psychiatristsin the community. In particular, these referrals wouldcomprise patients with complex mood disorders.As part of this new charter, research will beconducted into novel psychological interventions. Thiswill enable the Institute to gather pilot data for developingbroader research questions and to seek fundingthrough conventional funding bodies, corporate sponsorshipor by direct donations to projects.Brain StimulationThe Brain Stimulation Clinic would encompassnovel treatments, including Transcranial MagneticStimulation (TMS), transcranial Direct Current Stimulation(tDCS) and the drug Ketamine (currently used asan anaesthetic and in pain management).In addition, this clinic would also be a tertiaryreferral service for psychiatrists requiring a second expertopinion on the use of Electroconvulsive Therapy(ECT), typically for patients with depression who havenot responded to standard treatment with ECT. Referralsare to the head of the clinic, Professor Loo, andmust be from a psychiatrist.BLACK DOG 201237