News Centre

Get the facts about bipolar

25 June 2012

To mark this week’s Bipolar Awareness Day (June 27), a new leaflet gives key information about bipolar disorder for patients, relatives and carers.

The leaflet, published by the National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH), clearly and simply sets out what bipolar disorder is and what danger signs to look for. It explains the steps patients can take to lead as normal a life as possible. And it offers advice for those looking after sufferers of this often distressing condition.

The National Council for Medical Health is Wales’ first Biomedical Research Centre, aiming to improve understanding of mental illness and improve treatment for those affected. Director Professor Nick Craddock, of Cardiff University’s School of Medicine, said: "Bipolar Disorder can cause a great deal of distress to patients and those who care for them. This can be made worse by a lack of information – a problem which this leaflet and Bipolar Awareness Day both aim to tackle.
"There are practical steps people can take to stay as well as possible. In our leaflet, we aim to provide basic information, some constructive advice, and sources of further information and help. It is the first in a series we are planning which will offer help for mental disorders."

The leaflet is available by contacting the team through the NCMH website at http://ncmh.info/ .

National Bipolar Awareness Day 2012 takes places on Wednesday June 27, run by Bipolar UK to improve public understanding of the illness.

ENDS

For further information please contact
Professor Nick Craddock
Professor of Psychiatry
Cardiff University School of Medicine
E-mail: CraddockN@cardiff.ac.uk
+44(0)29 2068 7067

Stephen Rouse
Public Relations Office
Cardiff University
E-mail: RouseS@cardiff.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)29 2087 5596

Cardiff University

Cardiff University is recognised in independent government assessments as one of Britain’s leading teaching and research universities and is a member of the Russell Group of the UK’s most research intensive universities. Among its academic staff are two Nobel Laureates, including the winner of the 2007 Nobel Prize for Medicine, University President Professor Sir Martin Evans.
Founded by Royal Charter in 1883, today the University combines impressive modern facilities and a dynamic approach to teaching and research. The University’s breadth of expertise in research and research-led teaching encompasses: the humanities; the natural, physical, health, life and social sciences; engineering and technology; preparation for a wide range of professions; and a longstanding commitment to lifelong learning. Three major new Research Institutes, offering radical new approaches to neurosciences and mental health, cancer stem cells and sustainable places were announced by the University in 2010.

www.cardiff.ac.uk