Mental health research volunteers sought
The Black Dog Institute has launched a Volunteer Research Register, to help in mental health research studies conducted at the Institute and the University of New South Wales.
These research studies are wide-ranging and provide new scientific knowledge that influences treatment and management of people with mood disorders.
“We are always looking for people – both with and without mood disorders – to take part in these studies and the establishment of a register allows us to have a pool of volunteers who wish to support these endeavors to improve our knowledge in a field often described as the toughest illness in the book,” said Professor Gordon Parker, executive director of the Black Dog Institute.
The Black Dog Institute’s organisational model is represented by four interactive streams; Research, Clinical Services, Education and Training and Consumer and Community support.
These streams are interdependent with each other, clinical observation shapes research hypotheses, while research findings are filtered back into clinical management, which in turn shapes the content of professional education and training programs as well as being disseminated to the community.
Professor Parker said the Volunteer Research Register had been designed to securely store details such as a persons name, contact details and some basic information including, date of birth, whether a person has ever been diagnosed with a mental health problem or have previously participated in a Black Dog Institute study.
“When a new research study starts, we will search the register for people who might be suitable and email them information about it, as well as an invitation to take part, should they be interested.
“In this way, people will hear about the latest studies for which they might be suitable without constantly having to check the Black Dog Institute website,” he siad.
By joining the Volunteer Research Register, people who are interested in participating in research studies will also avoid the need to provide the same personal information time and time again when new research programs are announced.
To join sign-up, you will need to complete an online form, located on the Institute’s website.
