The following documents and links, developed by MDSC partners and fellow organizations, will add to your library of accurate information.

Bipolar disorder and violent crime:  New evidence from population-based longitudinal studies and systematic review.  Fazel, S. Lichtenstein, S. Grann, M. Goodwin, G. & Langstrom, N. (Sept 2010). Archives of General Psychiatry.
 
A new study from Sweden's Karolinska Institutet suggests that bipolar disorder -- or manic-depressive disorder -- does not increase the risk of committing violent crime. Instead, the over-representation of individuals with bipolar disorder in violent crime
statistics is almost entirely attributable to concurrent substance abuse.  Read more...

Mood Memos Depression Prevention Study
Mood memos is a University of Melbourne study exploring a method of preventing depression through the internet. The study is targeted to people experiencing some depression symptoms who are not yet too severe, with the aim of averting depression or relapse. The Mood Memos study will trial the effectiveness of an email-based mental health promotion for depression symptoms. Emails are delivered every few days for 6 weeks, bringing expert coping advice and information about depression directly to email inboxes. Read more...  or visit  www.moodmemos.com

Is Gambling a Problem for Young Canadians?
July 2010: The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, along with six provincial organizations (including the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre), have released the Canadian Adolescent Gambling Inventory—the first survey designed specifically to help assess the prevalence and risks associated with teenage gambling.The questions found in the Inventory will help researchers and governments identify risky and problematic gambling behaviours in teens aged 13–17. Read more... Newsrelease (EN // FR); Backgrounder (EN // FR); Survey Instrument; Phase 3 Report.

A Self Help Guide for Coping with Depression
The Antidepressant Skills Workbook gives an overview of depression, explains how it can be effectively managed according to the best available research, and gives a step-by-step guide to changing patterns that trigger depression. Read more… Link

BC Mood Disorder Tool Kit and Resources
The BC Here to Help website provides rich resources on many aspects of understanding, treating and living successfully with mental illness and addictions.  Read more...  Toolkits  // Factsheets // Brochures // Journals

Check up from the Neck up
One in five people will experience a mood disorder in their lifetime, and less than one half will seek treatment. Take care of your mental health. Get your checkup today!  … Link

Disability Health Credit
The disability tax credit (DTC) provides tax relief to individuals who, due to the effects of a severe and prolonged mental or physical impairment, are markedly restricted in their ability to perform a basic activity of daily living as certified by a qualified medical practitioner, or would be markedly restricted were it not for extensive therapy to sustain a vital function. Individuals are markedly restricted if, even with therapy or the use of appropriate devices and medication, they are blind or unable to perform a basic activity of daily living, or if they require an inordinate amount of time to perform the activity, all or substantially all of the time.  Read more… (PDF English)

Fearless Learning: Respect yourself, respect others
Fearless Learning is a recommended affiliate of Mood Disorders Society of Canada.  It is a non-profit education organization that provides workshops and interactive performances for students of all ages, plus professional development opportunities for educators.  Stop the Bullying is an especially successful program although Fearless Learning has many other products.  All workshops are presented using humor and gentle encouragement in a non-judgmental atmosphere.  Fearless Learning is especially devoted to helping - through communication, teamwork, job skills, life skills, nutrition and fitness - children and youth with invisible disabilities – mental health problems that can interfere with learning and lead to behavioural problems.  Read more….  Link

Healing Tips
There is no quick fix or magic bullet that brings healing and wholeness when confronting the challenge of living with a mood disorder. Each of us is unique, bringing our own personal history, set of needs, values and vision, challenges and resources. Each person's road to healing will be as unique as they are!  Read more… (PDF English)

The Living Room – peer support for Christians
The Living Room, a name chosen because it communicates comfort and safety, is a support group especially for people of faith who have a mental illness. There are presently six chapters in British Columbia, one in Ontario and one in Saskatchewan.  Read more... www.livingroomsupport.org

MDSC’s Recommended Reading List
An important first step in gaining control of your illness, or in understanding and supporting a loved one, is to learn all you can about mood disorders and their treatment. Being informed about mood disorders allows you to be an active participant in your treatment and make informed decisions regarding your care in partnership with your health care provider. Read more…  (PDF English) 

Reader Recommended Reading List
The following books have been suggested by visitors to the MDSC website which they have found valuable in managing their mood disorder. We extend a special thanks to Reg T. for his support in developing this list.  Read more…  (PDF English) 

The Expert Guidelines Consensus Series
The following reports reflect the expert opinions of leaders in researching and treating mental illness.

Depression
- Expert Consensus Guidelines Treatment of Depression in Women  Link
- Canadian Consensus Guidelines For The Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder: Raymond W Lam, and Anthony J Levitt, Clinical & Academic Publishing, 1999.

Bipolar Disorder
- Expert Consensus Guidelines Medication Treatment of Bipolar Disorder 2000 Medication Treatment of Bipolar Disorder Link

Anxiety Disorders
- Expert Consensus Treatment Guidelines for Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder  Link
- Expert Consensus Treatment Guidelines for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder  PDF

Guides for Patients & Families
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder  PDF
- Major Depression During Conception and Pregnancy  PDF
- Postpartum Depression PDF
- Depression During the Transition to Menopause PDF