New Online Patient Education Center Launched to Increase Awareness and Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 23, 2002

Commonly unrecognized and misdiagnosed illness

affects nearly 3 million Americans

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) today announced the launch of a new online destination, www.bipolarawareness.com which is devoted to helping people recognize the signs of bipolar disorder and learn about services and questions to ask their doctors. The patient education center, a collaboration of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) and Eli Lilly and Company, gives people facts and resources about this devastating illness, which is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.

"The majority of people with bipolar disorder don't even realize they have the illness. A person with the disorder typically sees three to four doctors and spends an average of ten years seeking treatment before receiving the correct diagnosis," said Lydia Lewis, executive director of DBSA. "We hope the information on bipolarawareness.com will provide resources to help people open a more meaningful dialogue with their physicians so they can begin a treatment plan and significantly increase the quality of their lives."

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression, is a serious medical condition characterized by swings in mood from manic episodes, marked by abnormal irritability, elation and euphoria, to episodes of deep depression interspersed with periods of normal mood. People with bipolar disorder often seek treatment during the depressive phase of the illness, but are less likely to consult a healthcare professional during a manic episode, increasing the difficulty for physicians in diagnosing the disorder.

An estimated three million Americans have bipolar disorder, which typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life. Patients with bipolar disorder are far more likely to attempt and commit suicide than individuals with most other psychiatric illnesses or the general population. One out of five people with bipolar disorder will take their own life.

How It Works

www.bipolarawareness.com provides a comprehensive range of tools and services including a caregiver section, a symptom checklist, links to interactive chats and support groups, personal stories of hope from patients and resources such as links to advocacy groups and other informational resources. The education center also offers a mood diary -- a tool that enables visitors to keep a log of their symptoms and wellness strategies. This information is crucial to helping patients and their physicians determine and adjust individual treatment regimens.

Another important aspect of the education center is a screening tool that allows people to assess whether they may have bipolar disorder. Visitors will be able to print out their screening results as well as "Questions to Ask Your Doctor" for further discussion with a healthcare professional, enabling a more accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. The patient education center is available on WebMD and is funded by Eli Lilly and Company, which is supporting the launch of the destination with a bipolar public awareness campaign on the Fox Television Networks.

"The site is a perfect example of public and private organizations working together to bring accurate and timely information to the public," said Ms. Lewis. "We believe this site will save lives and diminish the stigma so often associated with bipolar disorder."

The mission of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is to improve the lives of people living with mood disorders. Founded in 1986 and based in Chicago, DBSA, (previously known as the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association) is the nation's largest patient-directed, illness-specific organization. Guided by a 65-member Scientific Advisory Board comprised of the leading researchers and clinicians in the field of mood disorders, it has nearly 1,000 support groups across the country. More than one million people request information and assistance each year. For more information on depression and bipolar disorder, visit www.DBSAlliance.org or 800-826-3632.