Recognizing and meeting the needs of patients with mood disorders and comorbid medical illness: a consensus conference of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

Abstract

The articles contributed to this issue of Biological Psychiatry were prepared for a Consensus Conference convened by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) 1 The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the leading patient-directed national organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses—depression and bipolar disorder. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance's mission is to improve the lives of people living with mood disorders. Incorporated in 1986 as a 501(c)(3) organization, DBSA fosters an environment of understanding about the impact and management of these life-threatening illnesses by providing up-to-date, scientifically based tools and information, written in easy to understand language. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance has more than 1000 peer-run support groups across the country. Assisted by a Scientific Advisory Board comprised of the leading researchers and clinicians in the field of mood disorders, DBSA supports research to promote more timely diagnosis, to develop more effective and tolerable treatments, and to discover a cure. The organization works to ensure that people living with mood disorders are treated equitably. Over 2 million people request and receive information and assistance from DBSA each year. 1The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the leading patient-directed national organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses—depression and bipolar disorder. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance's mission is to improve the lives of people living with mood disorders. Incorporated in 1986 as a 501(c)(3) organization, DBSA fosters an environment of understanding about the impact and management of these life-threatening illnesses by providing up-to-date, scientifically based tools and information, written in easy to understand language. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance has more than 1000 peer-run support groups across the country. Assisted by a Scientific Advisory Board comprised of the leading researchers and clinicians in the field of mood disorders, DBSA supports research to promote more timely diagnosis, to develop more effective and tolerable treatments, and to discover a cure. The organization works to ensure that people living with mood disorders are treated equitably. Over 2 million people request and receive information and assistance from DBSA each year. in November of 2002. As the largest organization advocating for patients with mood disorders, DBSA has long been concerned about the lack of medical knowledge and patient awareness regarding the consequences of mood disorders coexisting with medical illnesses. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance brought together leading experts to explore the connection between “mental” and “physical” illnesses, with the goal of increasing physician and patient knowledge regarding the co-occurrence of these illnesses and their impact on course and outcomes.