Beating Bipolar
02nd July 2010
Professor Nick Craddock (centre) and members of the Bipolar Disease Research Network (BDRN)
University research helping to support people with bipolar disorder has been outlined at a key UK annual conference.
The Beating Bipolar conference, organised by MDF- The Bipolar Organisation and attended by over 300 delegates from across the UK, received presentations from key members of the University’s Bipolar Disorder research team.
Professor Nick Craddock, School of Medicine, is one of the UK’s leading figures in bipolar disorder research. Professor Craddock is currently leading the largest ever study of the condition and is widely recognised for his work with Stephen Fry and others in raising the profile of the condition amongst the wider general public.
Professor Craddock led a forum debate on ‘the Future of Services for people with Bipolar Disorder’. Dr Danny Smith, School of Medicine, outlined the work of the Bipolar Education Programme Cymru (BEPCymru), Wales’s first programme to offer group education for people with bipolar disorder and their families in addition to their regular treatment.
The five year project, funded by a grant of £770,862 from the Big Lottery Fund’s £15 million Mental Health Matters (MHM) programme, aims to promote the rehabilitation and independence of people with serious mental health problems in Wales and support those at greatest risk of suicide.
Dr Ian Jones, School of Medicine, presented a workshop on postnatal mood disorder and his research with women across the UK who have experienced postpartum psychosis and who want to increase public awareness and research into the condition.
Established in 1983, MDF The Bipolar Organisation is a national user-led organisation and registered charity for people whose lives are affected by bipolar disorder.