Sunday, July 10, 2005

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

About the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the nation’s leading patient-directed organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses – depression and bipolar disorder. The organization fosters an understanding about the impact and management of these life-threatening illnesses by providing up-to-date, scientifically-based tools and information written in language the general public can understand. DBSA supports research to promote more timely diagnosis, develop more effective and tolerable treatments and discover a cure. The organization works to ensure that people living with mood disorders are treated equitably.

DBSA is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that answers more than 5,000 calls per month on our toll-free information and referral line and receives nearly 101,500 individual visitors monthly to our website. Each year we distribute more than 50,000 information packets free of charge to anyone requesting information about mood disorders. DBSA reaches nearly two million people through our educational materials and programs, exhibit materials and media activities.

DBSA’s prestigious 65-member Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) is comprised of the leading researchers and clinicians in the field of mood disorders. SAB members review all DBSA publications and programs for medical and scientific accuracy. In addition, SAB members present at DBSA conferences, author peer-reviewed manuscripts on behalf of the organization and represent DBSA to the media.

DBSA has a grassroots network of more than 1,000 patient-run support groups across the country. More than 55,000 people attend our peer-led support groups every year. Support groups play an important role in recovery with 86 percent of support group members reporting that their group helped with treatment adherence. This is a key finding because treatment adherence means fewer hospital stays, which in turn means lower insurance costs, greater employee productivity and significantly increased quality of life.

DBSA publishes more than two dozen educational materials about living with mood disorders, all available free of charge. Its educational materials have no medical or scientific jargon, and convey a message of hope and optimism. All materials are reviewed by patients to ensure the contents are targeted for patients and their families.

DBSA advocates in Washington, D.C. on behalf of people living with mood disorders, providing congressional testimony and ensuring the voice of the patient is heard. Current issues include increased research funding, insurance parity, patient confidentiality, increased attention for co-morbid illnesses and integrated treatment for dual diagnosis by dually trained professionals.

DBSA holds an annual conference for its constituents, hosts annual international scientific conferences on critical issues related to mood disorder research, publishes in peer-reviewed medical journals and sponsors surveys on issues of importance to those living with mood disorders and those treating these disorders.

posted by Nicole