The history and development of Australia's Black Dog Institute

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To overview the development of the Sydney-based Black Dog Institute. METHODS: The strengths and limitations of the Institute's predecessor (the Mood Disorders Unit) gave way to a more ambitious Black Dog Institute, and this article gives an overview of the Institute's structural and functional components. RESULTS: It is argued that the Institute serves as a model for modern psychiatric service delivery. CONCLUSIONS: The Institute's model of linking clinical, research, education and community activities to advance the understanding, diagnosis and management of mood disorders is detailed for wider consideration.