Pittsburgh hosting Fifth International Conference on Bipolar Disorder

The International Conference on Bipolar Disorder is held biannually in Pittsburgh and draws noted researchers who share new information on the psychobiology, assessment and treatment of bipolar illness, a disorder affecting two out of 100 adults and one in 100 children.

The conference, sponsored by Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, is the only venue in the world devoted exclusively to highlighting new information on bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depressive illness, devastates family and work relationships and costs society more than $16 billion a year through medical bills, missed work and lower productivity.

The disorder is difficult to treat, but a renewed interest on the part of governmental funding agencies, foundations and the pharmaceutical industry is fueling an astounding increase in research and the speed with which new information is discovered. This is helping scientists identify newer, more effective treatments.

Some of the leading experts who will attend include David J. Kupfer, M.D., chairman of the department of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic; Jules Angst, M.D., of Zurich University Psychiatric Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland; Mark S. Bauer, M.D., of Brown University School of Medicine in Providence, R.I.; and Guy Goodwin, M.D., of Warneford Hospital, Oxford, U.K.

In addition to these experts, Thomas R. Insel, M.D., director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), will attend the conference to present attendees with an update on NIMH research.

EDITORS: Following is a list of media availabilities scheduled at the Fifth International Conference on Bipolar Disorder, June 12-14 at the Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh. All availabilities will take place in the conference press room, located in the Woodlawn II room. Reporters who wish to attend one or more of the availabilities should contact Craig Dunhoff at the UPMC News Bureau, 412-647-3555. Experts listed also are available by phone during the conference.

THURSDAY, JUNE 12

10:15 a.m.: BIPOLAR DISORDER IN THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT: NEW INTEREST AND INCREASED FINANCIAL SUPPORT FUELING DISCOVERY

WHO:
Thomas R. Insel, M.D., Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
David J. Kupfer, M.D., chairman, department of psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC)

WHAT:
Drs. Insel and Kupfer will be available to discuss research efforts on bipolar disorder at the NIMH and how renewed interest in manic-depressive illness on the part of government funding agencies, foundations and the pharmaceutical industry has stimulated an astounding increase in research and speed with which new information on bipolar disorder is becoming available

2:30 p.m.: WORLDWIDE ADVANCES IN THE TREATMENT OF BIPOLAR DISORDER

WHO:
Jules Angst, M.D., Zurich University Psychiatric Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
Philip Mitchell, M.D., University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Mauricio Tohen, M.D., Lilly Research Laboratories, Indianapolis, Ind.
Paul Keck Jr., M.D., University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Jan Scott, M.D., Institute of Psychiatry, London, U.K.

WHAT:
These international experts will be available to discuss advances in the treatment of bipolar disorder, including medication and psychotherapy and how new information learned about the illness is helping scientists develop new treatments

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

10:15 a.m.: ADVANCES IN CARE FOR BIPOLAR DISORDER NOT AVAILABLE TO THE DISENFRANCHISED

WHO:
Mark Bauer, M.D., Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, R.I.
Boris Birmaher, M.D., WPIC, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Charlotte Brown, M.D., WPIC, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

WHAT:
These national experts will be available to discuss challenges and obstacles faced by minorities and the elderly in getting proper treatment for bipolar disorder, including misdiagnosis and no access to treatment.

CONTACT:
Craig Dunhoff
Jane Duffield
PHONE: 412-647-3555
FAX: 412-624-3184
E-MAIL:
[email protected]
[email protected]