Public seminar to feature Geelong’s ground-breaking bipolar research

The ground-breaking Geelong research into new treatments for bipolar disorder will be presented at a seminar to support World Bipolar Day on Monday 30 March.

Hosted by Deakin University's Strategic Research Centre in Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Treatment (IMPACT) and the Geelong Mood Support Group, the seminar is open to anyone with an interest in bipolar disorder and will provide information on the latest research along with an opportunity to discuss other topics related to the condition.

Bipolar disorder affects functioning of the brain, causing people to experience extreme high (mania) or low (depression) moods. Around 1 per cent of the population have the disorder.

Dr Olivia Dean, a researcher with Deakin's IMPACT research centre, said that there have been significant improvements in treating bipolar disorder, particularly in terms of improving depression, however shortfalls still exist in rehabilitation and recovery, with aspects such as returning to full-time work or quality of relationships with family and friends still needing further research.

"Through IMPACT we are trying to find new treatments to address these shortfalls, with a number of clinical trials underway in Geelong," Dr Dean said.

"For instance, we now have a lot of biological evidence that people with bipolar disorder have a deficit of antioxidants. Taken as a supplement, the antioxidant n-acetyl-cysteine definitely helps to reduce mood symptoms and improve quality of life. A new study is assessing the effectiveness of other antioxidants."

The seminar will also include a presentation on a study looking at how health and lifestyle factors can improve treatment and recovery for people with bipolar disorder and on the international trial of a self-guided, online program called MoodSwings that incorporates psychosocial treatment with peer support.

The "What's new in bipolar disorder research" seminar will be held at 1pm on Monday 30 March at the Geelong Mood Support Group, 284 Latrobe Terrace, Newtown. For further information or to register attendance at the seminar call 4215 3309, or email ysamuni@barwonhealth.org.au or reidm@geelongmood.org.au .