Bipolar Disorder: Other Places To Get Help

The Bipolar Significant Others (BPSO) is an informal organization whose members exchange support and information by e-mail about bipolar disorder and discuss issues related to the impact of the illness on families and intimate relationships. The goal of the mailing list is to provide information and support to the families, friends, and loved ones of those with bipolar disorder.

The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health provides Web site provides a forum for discussions of current research as well as pamphlets, factual information, and ongoing studies into the cause and treatment of bipolar disorder for both adults and children.

The Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF) is a parent-led, nonprofit, Web-based membership organization of families raising children diagnosed with, or at risk for, early-onset bipolar disorder. This organization provides resources to help families better understand childhood and adolescent bipolar disorder.

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance publishes brochures, books, and videotapes about the treatment of mood disorders, all available free of charge or for a nominal fee. It also has an information and referral line, and its Web site contains helpful information.

The Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation supports research about early-onset bipolar disorder. The board of the organization is made up of parents, professionals, and researchers. The research goal is to find out what causes juvenile-onset bipolar disorder so that more effective treatments can be developed.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a national self-help and family advocacy organization dedicated solely to improving the lives of people with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic depression), major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. NAMI focuses on support, education, advocacy, and research. The mission of the organization is to "eradicate mental illness and improve the quality of life of those affected by these diseases."