Belmont Hospital, Carina, Brisbane

The Trauma and Dissociation Unit, originally named the Dissociative Disorders Unit was established at Belmont Private Hospital in January 1997. The co-directors of the unit are Assoc. Prof. Warwick Middleton and Dr Jim Dodds. The unit's prime aim is to provide a focussed and effective mode of treatment for the many people experiencing significant distress and dysfunction associated with the trauma that generates dissociative defences.

The unit has maintained a regular throughput of inpatients, with the outpatient management of some patients supported by a day program. The average length of stay for inpatients has consistently been under three weeks.

An active research program has been an integral part of the unit. Recently a doctoral thesis (University of New England) based on research carried out with patients associated with the unit was passed. Martin Dorahy's was the first PhD awarded for research into dissociation, in Australia.

The most recent publication relating to this doctoral research project was, Dorahy, M.J., Irwin, H.J. & Middleton, W. (2002). Cognitive inhibition in dissociative identity disorder (DID): Developing an understanding of working memory function in DID. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation 3,3:111-132.

The unit treats patients with dissociative and related disorders. Admissions, other than short-term crisis related are generally geared to a 3-5 week duration. There is a consistent emphasis in the program on approaches, which emphasise personal responsibility, consideration of others, and patients' active involvement in their treatment. On discharge, patients are able to attend the Day Program Support Group which meets each Tuesday and Friday (9.30am-3.00pm).

Further information can be obtained by contacting the unit on

07-3398 0280 or by emailing David Higson

email: David.Higson@maynegroup.com
Trauma and Dissociation Unit
Belmont Private Hospital
PO Box 24 Carina 4152