The world-first program helps in the assessment and diagnosis of conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder.

Black Dog Institute executive director Gordon Parker said MAP was a computer program that assesses and diagnoses patients, then prints out a report for the referring GP, who can have it within 48 hours of the patient doing the assessment.

MAP also identifies other factors that may be relevant for that person such as stress, anxiety, drugs and alcohol or medicines.

The Black Dog Institute is working with the North West Slopes Division of General Practice to deliver this

program.

MAP is the brainchild of the Black Dog Institute.

Tamworth ambassador Robyn Nugent pushed for the city to be the first to pilot the program.

Professor Parker said Ms Nugent was a very strong advocate for Tamworth to test MAP.

“Robyn Nugent said ‘you must come to Tamworth’ so we wanted to try Tamworth to see what works and what doesn’t work,” he said.

Professor Parker said next year MAP would be tried further west, in areas suffering more from the effects of drought.

Professor Parker said the Rural Bush Bash run by the Black Dog Institute was visiting Tamworth at the moment and, rather than leaving nothing behind when they left town, the organisation would be leaving Tamworth with MAP to help people suffering mood disorders.

“We are delighted to establish a MAP centre in Tamworth,” he said.

Professor Parker said the staff members were enthusiastic about using the program and patients would appreciate getting diagnosed more quickly.

“It’s a real positive for

Tamworth that people are so welcoming to have this strategy, and having the program really puts another nail in the destigmatisation of depression coffin,” he said.