ISBD Chapters
The Society has a total of 17 chapters and the number continues to expand.
The work of the Chapters is of fundamental importance to the Society as they provide opportunities for members to network, share information and engage with the public and with advocacy initiatives locally.
All members are encouraged to contact their local chapter and become involved in its activities. If there is no local chapter you could starting a new chapter in your country or region using the Chapter Resource Tools.
Current Chapters
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Australasia
Australasian Society for Bipolar Disorders
Mission: The purpose of the Society is to become the Australasian forum, and an internationally recognized forum, to foster ongoing collaboration, education, research and advances in the treatment of all aspects of Bipolar Disorders. The Society is open to the entire spectrum of mental health professionals including basic and clinical researchers, psychiatrists, pharmacologists, psychologists, social workers, students, trainees, interested lay groups and individuals.
Chairman: Professor Gin Malhi
Administration: The Victorian Medical Postgraduate Foundation Inc. provides Secretariat services to the Australasian Society for Bipolar Disorders Ltd. All the day-to-day administration, financial, membership, and website matters are handled by the Secretariat under the direction of the ASBD Committee.
Website: www.bipolardisorders.com.au
Announcements:
ASBD Newsletter: August 2010
Meeting & Updates:
Leading experts shared their knowledge in clinical practice and research at the 2011 conference hosted by the Australasian Society for Bipolar and Depressive Disorders (ASBD). In Sydney from 20 - 22 October 2011, the conference brought together practitioners across disciplines interested in increasing their knowledge and skills. In a mix of lectures, symposia and workshops from eminent experts, the conference will explore a broad range of scientific and clinical issues related to these disorders.
The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, the fifth annual ASBD conference brought together practitioners from psychiatry, psychology, general practice and other disciplines. It is designed for clinicians keen to update their knowledge and skills, and researchers keen to exchange ideas with national and international experts.
Speakers included: Professor Andrew Nierenberg (US); Professor John Rush (US/ Singapore); Professor Jan Scott (UK); Professor Vaughan McCall (US); Professor Michael Berk (Aust); Professor Philip Mitchell (Aust); and Professor Gin Malhi (Aust).
For further information on this conference, go to: www.asbd2011.com.
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Brazil
Associacao Brasileira de Transtorno Bipolar (ABTB): Brazilian Society for Bipolar Disorders
Mission: The Brazilian Group has adopted the ISBD’s mission as its own and lists its objectives as follows:
- To create a research network among mental health professionals interested in bipolar disorders, modeled upon the Canadian Network.
- To promote awareness of this condition in the Brazilian society at large.
- To help promoting awareness and education about this condition among mental health care professionals in and region.
- To promote and support national and regional conferences to provide scientific and educational programs.
- To help promoting ISBD values, publications and activities.
Officers: Assoc Prof. Angela Maria Scippa (President), Prof. Marcia Kauer Sant’Anna (Vice President), Dr. Karla Mathias de Almeida (Secretary), and Dr. Fabiana Nery Fernandes (Treasurer).
Meeting: The Society gathered in Sao Paulo in August 2007 for its first educational symposium with the precence of its directors and Dr. Nassir Ghaemi as the international speaker.
The Society was instrumental in collaborating with the ISBD on the 4th Biennial Conference of the ISBD in Sao Paulo in 2010.
Website: http://www.abtb.org.br/ (in Portuguese only)
News:
Associacao Brasileira de Transtorno Bipolar (ABTB): Brazilian Society for Bipolar Disorders 5th Biennial Conference
1 September 2012
Salvador, Brazil
For more information, please visit the conference website: www.abtb.org.br
Sao Paulo, Brazil, the ISBD 4TH Biennial Conference, 17-21 MARCH 2010 By Enrique “Topo” Rodriguez
It was a great privilege indeed to have been invited by the International Society for Bipolar Disorders to participate and to deliver a presentation on its ADVOCACY GROUPS segment on Friday 19th March, 2010 at the Grand Hyatt Sao Paulo Hotel. A sea of over 800 delegates from the 4 corners of the globe was present. It was a lively and colourful event decorated with the Brazilian charm and rhythm. Learning was fast and furious, and meeting and greeting and remembering names was quite a challenge; nevertheless, this was a very beneficial and eye opening networking experience for me. During 3 ½ days I was immersed in psychiatry, mental illness, and mental health concepts, with no time for beach or shopping, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. I’m already looking forward to the ISBD 5th Biennial Conference - Istanbul March 2012 and others in between, including the next ISBD Argentine Chapter meeting in Cordoba, Argentina April 2011.
Advocacy Groups - Mental Health Management Plans
I feel that more Consumer Advocates participation is needed for better representation of this sector. Perhaps the ISBD Committee may consider providing some “stimulus or incentive” for future conferences, so different Advocacy Groups may be more involved in sharing their rich experiences. Professionals and the pharmaceutical industry are already there, I think an opening in this regard will go long way to bring everyone a bit closer. At the end of the day we all are part of one big family/industry that needs to maintain at the very least a good level of communication. My presentation (in Australian English) was centred on “Mental Health Management” - A 360º X 365 day - 24 hour Approach, Through Wellbeing Plans (WBP’s). These empowering WBP’s are not new, in fact Buddhism and Holistic practitioners have been talking about it for many years. However, the intensity and commitment to embrace these WBP’s are just as important as the plans themselves. WBP’s are to be prepared and implemented by the consumers, service user, patients (whichever name is preferred). The preparation phase can definitely be done with the help/input of a professional, friend, carer or family member. Beginning from the premise that there is no definite cure for the illness, the next best thing is management or control of the condition and /or symptoms to achieve whatever level of wellness possible. We like to talk about “RELATIVE NORMALITY” (Euthymia) that accommodates for a more flexible level of wellness/illness. We believe this can be achieved with a dedicated watchful eye from the consumer. This is a good starting point that everyone else involved in the recovery paradigm/team can follow.
In some of the cases, by activating these “Wellbeing Plans,” life improves dramatically; so much so that many consumers experience a “new meaningful life” they had never known before! Proactive strategies and personal choices will slowly but surely lead us into the path towards HARMONY, PEACE, TRANQUILITY and RESTFULNESS. Hopefully as a consequence of this process/journey we will self-generate the much needed self-esteem and resilience to meet our own challenges through a “healthy lifestyle”, peace and happiness for mind, body and soul. The above reference to self-generation of self-esteem is a crucial point because we must become responsible for all our actions, although we must never hesitate to rally support for our cause and work with the WE/TEAMWORK concept. Inter-disciplinary strategies are well known in psychiatry, but often the “internal power search” creates confusion, frustration and mismanagement within the recovery team.
THE RECOVERY TEAM
The first natural Captain of the RECOVERY TEAM must be the consumer himself/herself. However, if the person is unwell and unable to assume this role, either a family member or an apt friend is the best choice. It is important to note here that a family member often can be the original source of trauma. Equally, a soft, loving friend (or partner) may not be the best choice to call the shots when a firm direction is needed. Every team member is to be “the expert voice” in its particular area/position. Nonetheless, others’ opinions are very valuable and needed for consideration to reach a well-informed consensus. Experience and commitment are also a very important part of the equation, and no one more than “the patient” is committed to his/her health and recovery. Through the years we all accumulate a wealth of experience, this should never be discarded.
THE EVENT
The Grand Hyatt Sao Paulo Hotel was the conference venue, even though I didn’t stay there simply due to tight NGO finances, I certainly enjoyed this magnificent hotel and the wonderful organisation and hosting by the very capable events-professionals in ICMS. I’m well aware that when handling large groups of people it is very hard to keep everybody happy. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Michael Berk and his Committee for the invitation to present on behalf of TF4E and my congratulations for this “monster” event that, as mentioned before, attracted a big crowd of more than 800 delegates. The program was demanding, varied and also satisfying. As a member of the ISBD organisation I call to continue moving forward, well done! I’m mindful that not many Consumer Advocates enjoy these opportunities, so I’ve embraced them wholeheartedly; consumers’ participation is a must. We are living in very competitive times, where everyone and everything counts and we are quite often forced to preserve resources in the name of “competitiveness” thus, the notion of “teamwork” (in our opinion) fits perfectly well within our “recovery paradigm”. I’ve learnt these old principles during many years of playing rugby as a front-row-forward. See you in Istanbul March 2012!
Enrique "Topo" Rodriguez is one of the founders and current CEO of the Topo Foundation for EDUCATION (www.TF4E.org) based in Sydney, Australia.
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Hong Kong Macau
Society for Advancement of Bipolar Affective Disorder (SABAD)
The Society shall be open to membership for the mental health (psychiatric & allied health and primary care) professionals, interested lay groups, and individuals in Hong Kong who have an interest in treatment, research and education in all aspects of bipolar disorders.
Mission:
The objectives of the Society include:
- The creation of an information network among mental health professionals interested in bipolar disorders.
- The provision of role models and collaboration in the field of bipolar disorders.
- The promotion of awareness and education about this condition among medical and mental health care professionals, and the lay community.
- The fostering of research in all aspects of bipolar disorders.
- The promotion and support of international, regional and local conferences that provide scientific and educational programs.
- The publication of a newsletter and other relevant materials.
- The support of consumer and carer awareness initiatives of bipolar disorders and collaboration with established organisations.
Chairman: Dr. Ming-cheuk Wong, Hong Kong, China
Website: www.sabad.org.hk
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Mexico
ISBD Mexico: Capitulo Mexicano de la Sociedad Internacional de Trastornos Bipolares
Mission:
- Create a research network among Mexican mental health professionals interested in bipolar disorders.
- Promote awareness and education about bipolar disorders in the Mexican medical community.
- Increase efforts in psychoeducation and community resources for the Mexican bipolar patient.
- Help to promote ISBD values, publications and activities.
Officers: Dr. Manuel Sánchez de Carmona (President), Dr. Irma Corlay (Vice President - Education), Dr. Amado Nieto (Vice President - Treasurer), and Dr. Omar Kawas (Vice President - Secretary)
Website: isbdmexico.org(in Spanish only)
Meetings: ISBD Mexico will hold their 2012 Meeting from October 6-8, 2012 in Merida, Mexico.
First Mexican Bipolar Disorders Conference
ISBD-Mexico, a regional chapter of ISBD, celebrated the first Mexican Bipolar Disorders Conference in Guadalajara , October 17-19. This was the first time a conference of its kind was held in Mexico, which generated high expectations and great amounts of enthusiasm among Mexican colleagues. Professors Mauricio Tohen, Flávio Kapzcinski, Francesc Colom, and Gustavo Vázquez, were the distinguished international invited speakers who joined 14 noted Mexican speakers in leading an up-to date and well-rounded program of scientific lectures.
With an attendance of 145 colleagues and with members of two of the most prominent advocacy groups (Voz pro salud mental, and Bipolar libre), the main educational objective for the Mexican psychiatric community was accomplished. The ISBD support for the newly formed Mexican chapter was evident and the local community was motivated to participate and join the global Society.
A meeting of the ISBD affiliate Iberoamerican Network for Bipolar Disorders (IANBD) also took place at the conference venue. During this meeting, local representatives from , , and , under the guidance of Professor Mauricio Tohen, formalized the development of this important research and educational network that will present wonderful career opportunities for Latin American young physicians and the possibility for international research collaborations.
News:
Role of the Psychiatrist in the Education of the Bipolar Community: ISBD Mexico Bipolar Connection Program
Manuel Sánchez de Carmona MD, Omar Kawas MD, Amado Nieto MD ISBD MEXICO, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí
Patient and family education in bipolar disorders have been addressed as key factors to promote therapeutic adherence and favor relapse prevention. There is an important number of bipolar patients in Mexico that have few possibilities of acquiring adequate and current information of their disorder, also there is a dramatic sub-diagnosis of the disorder. It is a frequent mistake that family members are left out from psycho education programs, and many times they may also have the disorder and because of lesser symptomatology it remains undiagnosed until later complications.
Bipolar Connection Program was developed by ISBD MEXICO as non profit community educational program designed to reach patients and family members that need to receive and learn updated information about the disorder. The first stage of the program consists of a 120minute multimedia presentation that covers genetics, basic neuroscience information, symptoms, classification, mood charts, trigger identification, and key pharmacological treatment concepts. An audience of 800 patients and family members was targeted between Mexico´s 3 most important cities. The audience recruitment was achieved with collaboration of the main advocacy groups of the country and with media coverage.
The second stage of the program consists of developing free downloadable podcasts that contain highlights of the educational material, and printouts of life charts and easy to follow step guides in case of emergencies. The podcasts will be available in the Mexican Chapter´s webpage.
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Norway
Norwegian Chapter of ISBD
Mission: To further national collaboration on education and research with an objective to advance the treatment of all aspects of bipolar disorders in Norway.
President: Ketil Oedegaard
The Norwegian Chapter of the ISBD held a Satellite Meeting at the Annual Meeting of the Norwegian Psychiatric Association in Bergen, Norway March 17, 2009 with Michael Berk and Hagop Akiskal as invited guests.
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Turkey
The Society for Bipolar Disorders (Turkey)
The Bipolar Disorders Society of Turkey was established in March 2007 and officially incorporated by the ISBD as a regional chapter in June 2007.
Headquartered in Istanbul, this organization roots back to 1997 when The Mood Disorders Section was first established under the umbrella of Psychiatric Association of Turkey. The Mood Disorders Section had always been a coherent and hard working body which dedicated itself to increasing awareness on mood disorders, specifically bipolar disorders from different perspectives. For this purpose, the group conducted many study projects and published the Treatment Guidelines for Bipolar Disorders of Psychiatric Association of Turkey as the first and pioneer publication of the Association in 2003. One of the main goals of the group was to spread “specialized mood clinics” all over the country. Over the years, eighteen of these specialized units were established in Turkey. In 2006, the group organized an international conference on mood disorders (Close Encounters of Three Seas) in conjunction with Psychiatric Association of Turkey, featuring speakers native to Turkey and the surrounding areas who now reside in other countries. In the past two years, the bipolar community of Turkish researchers have had approximately 40 research papers published in Bipolar Disorders.
Currently the chapter’s Board of Directors consists of: Simavi Vahip (President), Ayşegül Özerdem (Vice President), Kaan Kora (Treasurer), E Timuçin Oral (Secretary/Recruitment Coordinator), Omer Aydemir (Secretary/Research & Education). The chapter currently has approximately 67 members.
President: Simavi Vahip
Meeting: The Society will be instrumental in collaborating with the ISBD on the 5th Biennial Conference of the ISBD in Istanbul in 2012. For further conference information, visit:www.isbd2012.org
Website: www.bipolarturkiye.org
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Affiliates
ISBD Affiliates
The Iberoamerican Network for Bipolar Disorder (IAN-BD)
The mission of Iberoamerican Network for Bipolar Disorder (IAN-BD) is to provide a framework for collaboration and exchange between groups and independent investigators from the Iberoamerican area, under the institutional support of ISBD. A primary objective of the IAN-BD is to facilitate training and research among IberoAmerican researchers by formalizing structures that already exist. The IAN-BD also encourages the development of advocacy groups for patients in the various countries.
For more information, please visithttp://www.ian-bd.com
East Asian Bipolar Forum (EABF)
The East Asian Bipolar Forum (EABF) is a network of experts in bipolar disorder in the region covering Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The objectives and goals of the forum are to hold conferences that provide scientific and educational programs, to foster an information network among mental health professionals interested in bipolar disorders, to promote international collaborations for awareness, education, and research on bipolar disorders, and to publish an electronic newsletter.
The 1st East Asian Bipolar Forum will be held in Seoul, South Korea from September 10-11, 2010. About forty researchers from China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong are expected to join this biennial meeting. Main topics include phenomenology, genetics, and neurobiology. Mauricio Tohen, MD, DrPH, MBA and Lakshmi Yatham, MD are invited to give a special lecture and to moderate young investigators' works and discussion. Any researchers who are interested in this meeting will be welcomed.
Updated: 7/19/10
Asian Network for Bipolar Disorder (ANBD)
Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder has its 3rd conference and annual meeting on June 23, 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Prof. Kyooseb Ha (Korea) succeeded Dr. K. Y. Mak (Hong Kong) as Chairman. The new ANBD officer bearers are: Prof. Pichet Udomratn (Thailand, Vice-Chairman & Chairman Elected, International Affairs), Dr. Michael Wong (Hong Kong, Honorary Secretary), Dr. Andrew Lai Huat Peh (Singapore, Honorary Treasurer), Dr. Yeon Ho Joo (Korea, Scientific Affairs), and Prof. Mohamad Hussain Habil (Malaysia, Education & Public Affairs).
The ANBD presented Prof. K. Y. Mak with the title of "Founding Chairman." The ANBD also decided the establishment of the South East Asian Bipolar Forum among ASEAN countries. The ANBD will have its biennial meeting with the World Congress of Asian Psychiatry.
Updated: 2/1/11
