BIPOLAR DISORDER

UCSD Department of Psychiatry

  Genetics Research Program

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SUPPORT REFERRALS

1.  The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance is a longstanding, widespread organization that provides many different resources for those struggling with a mood disorder.  It is led primarily by individuals who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or major depression and offers a unique and professional perspective on these illnesses.  The web site sponsored by the DBSA contains a great deal of helpful information including nationwide support group referrals, an extensive on-line bookstore, upcoming conferences and much more.  Please click DBSA to be linked to this web site ( http://www.dbsalliance.org/ ).

2.  The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill  is another nationwide organization whose goal is patient advocacy.  They, too, have extensive information about mental health disorders such as bipolar and schizophrenia as well as treatment options (i.e., support group meetings across the country).  Many of the individuals involved in NAMI have family members who suffer from psychiatric symptoms, or are patients themselves, and are working to improve the quality of mental health care both in and outside the hospital setting.  NAMI also sponsors a web site with further information.  Please click NAMI for a direct link ( www.nami.org ).

3.  Our group at UCSD is a sponsor for a DBSA support group chapter in La Jolla, California.  The group meets every Monday evening at the VA Medical Center and highlights guest speakers twice a month.  We are also able to provide alternative support information locally (and frequently  nationwide).  Please click Contact Information to reach one of our staff members for further information.

(This page will be updated as new resources become known to us.)

For further information please contact rmckinney@ucsd.edu.

Last updated: July 25, 2003.