Awareness About Bipolar Rising Due to Emerging Treatments, New Research

Interest and awareness about bipolar disorder are slowly shifting, largely due to emerging treatments and research, according to an article in a supplement to the current edition of the Medical Journal of Australia.

Prof David Castle, from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne, Prof Michael Berk, from the Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Melbourne, and Barbara Hocking, Executive Director of SANE Australia, examined emerging treatments for and research on bipolar disorder.

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Prof Castle said bipolar disorder is attracting an upsurge of interest among the general public and in clinical and research arenas, which is being driven largely by the emergence of a range of new pharmacological and psychological treatments.

“It is also associated with an increasing awareness that bipolar disorder is more common than previously thought,” Prof Castle said.

“Australian data from the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing indicate that there is a lifetime risk of bipolar disorder of 2.9 per cent.

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“Bipolar disorder often carries a significant burden of disability, which affects the patient, his or her family and society at large, particularly when the illness is not treated early and effectively.

“Risks associated with bipolar disorder include the risk of suicide, specifically in the depressed pole of the illness … and overspending and damage to reputation in the elevated pole.

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Prof Castle also highlighted that the role of general practitioners in managing patients with the disorder is gaining increasing recognition.

“The welcome advances in research and treatments for bipolar disorder must be complemented by comprehensive and sustained activity to improve community awareness of early signs and symptoms, encourage appropriate help-seeking behaviour, and foster understanding and supportive community and health worker attitudes.

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“Otherwise, early identification and treatment of bipolar disorder … will remain wishful thinking,” Prof Castle said.

The Medical Journal of Australia is a publication of the Australian Medical Association.

Source-MJA