文档介绍：Guide to
Depression and
Bipolar Disorder
Depression and Bipolar
Support Alliance (DBSA)
Previously National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association
We’ve been there. We can help.
You are not alone
Promoting mental
epression and bipolar disorder (also known as
health“ for all Americans manic-depression) are both highly treatable
Dmedical illnesses. So why do so few people get
will require scientific know-how but, the treatment they need? There are many reasons, but
one of the main ones is the lack of accurate information
even more importantly, a societal patients and their families can understand. Many people
think that these illnesses will go away by themselves or
that getting help is a sign of weakness or moral failure.
resolve that we will make the needed These views are incorrect. That’s why DBSA created this
guide.
investment. The investment does not
This booklet will discuss depression and bipolar disor-
call for massive budgets; rather, it calls der, their symptoms and their treatments. It will provide
general guidance on the best resources and support. It
for the willingness of each of us to edu- will also inform you about DBSA, its mission and its
work of patient and family support
cate ourselves and others about mental groups.
Part of DBSA’s mission is to help you help yourself –
health and mental illness, and thus to whether you have one of these illnesses or know some-
one who does. Reading this Guide to Depression and
confront the attitudes, fear, and misun- Bipolar Disorder is one of the first steps on the road to
recovery.
derstanding that remain as barriers
before us. Depression 2
” Bipolar Disorder 6
David Satcher, ., . Treatment 12
United States Surgeon General
Support 20
from Mental Health: A Report of the
Surgeon General, issued December 1999 Resources 26
DBSA Services 28
DBSA, its advisors and consultants do not
endorse or mend the use of any
specific treat