History

Bipolar disorder is a severe and debilitating mental illness, which has only recently started to receive the necessary attention from society, researchers, practitioners, government, and private funding agencies. In response to the need for further awareness, education, and research on this severe mental illness, the  International Society for Bipolar Disorders was created. The Society has as its missions the promotion of awareness of this condition in society at large, promotion of awareness and education about this condition among mental health professionals, fostering research on all aspects of bipolar disorder, and promotion of international collaboration in this area.

The International Society for Bipolar Disorders was launched at the III International Conference on Bipolar Disorder, in Pittsburgh, PA, June 17, 1999 by David J. Kupfer, M.D., President.  Material distributed to all of the delegates at the conference contained an invitation letter and an enrollment form.  The first issue (September, 1999) of Bipolar Disorders -  An International Journal of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, which is the official journal of the Society, contained a similar enrollment form as will subsequent issues of the journal.

Mission Statement

The purpose of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) is to be the recognized forum for international collaboration resulting in education in all aspects of bipolar disorders.

The Society is open to the entire spectrum of mental healthcare professionals including basic and clinical researchers, psychiatrists, pharmacologists, psychologists, social workers, students and trainees in these fields, as well as other mental health professionals, persons affected by bipolar disorder and their families.

Objectives

• to create an information network among mental health professionals interested in bipolar disorders
• to provide role models and international collaboration in the field of bipolar disorders
• to promote awareness of this condition in society at large
• to promote awareness and education about this condition among mental healthcare professionals
• to foster research in all aspects of bipolar disorder