World Bipolar Day

World Bipolar Day aims to raise global awareness about bipolar disorder, a mental health condition marked by extreme mood swings between depression and mania. These mood shifts, often disproportionate or unrelated to life events, impact a person’s thoughts, emotions, physical health, behavior, and overall functioning.

Bipolar disorder can be challenging to diagnose due to its varied symptoms. Depression episodes in bipolar disorder resemble other forms of depression, while manic episodes involve an unusually elevated mood and other symptoms that can hinder daily functioning.

There are two primary types of bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar I Disorder: Characterized by one or more manic episodes, often interspersed with episodes of depression, which tend to become more frequent over time.
• Bipolar II Disorder: Involves one or more hypomanic episodes (a less intense but still elevated mood) and at least one depressive episode, without any history of full manic episodes.

The vision of WBD is to eliminate social stigma and discrimination associated with bipolar disorder. Through international collaboration, WBD seeks to educate diverse populations about bipolar disorder, enhance sensitivity towards the illness, and provide access to the latest research and best treatments.

At the Douglas, several clinician-scientists work with bipolar disorders, in the hope of finding new and better ways to help individuals living with the disease.

The focus of our research is to improve treatments for bipolar disorders by assessing the efficacy of newer compounds and exploring new avenues of treatment while providing a comprehensive approach to treatment and empowerment of persons suffering from these conditions through psychoeducation. We want to ensure that our patients can reach their life goals with mood stability and optimal level of functioning.
– Dr. Serge Beaulieu, Researcher at the Douglas Research Centre and Medical Chief of the Bipolar Disorders Program at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute

Dr. Serge Beaulieu’s research focuses on the efficacy of different types of medical treatments, including brexpiprazole, cariprazine, and cannabidiol (CBD) as treatments for bipolar depression. He also leads a large Canadian study, funded by CIHR, on the use of circadian activity and sleep patterns to develop a staging system of the bipolar disorders. The hope is that this approach, already supported by preliminary data, will allow for a better characterization of patients’ illness and lead to more personalized and effective treatments.

Cognitive impairment has long been underestimated in bipolar disorder, and new models of understanding need to be established in order to propose personalized interventions. Our innovative approach to the links between cognition and work will enable us to develop specific models for bipolar disorder and improve quality of life.
– Dr. Delphine Raucher-Chéné’s, Researcher at the Douglas Research Centre and Psychiatrist in the Bipolar Disorders Program at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute

Dr. Delphine Raucher-Chéné’s research program focuses on the development of a comprehensive understanding of the cognitive psychopathology of severe mental illness (i.e., bipolar disorder and schizophrenia-spectrum disorder), across stages, from neuroimaging to remediation.  Her current projects focus on linking psychopathology to its neurovascular underpinnings on the one hand, and to social determinants on the other.

In my research, I focus on identifying biomarkers associated with suicidality as it emerges in the early stages of bipolar disorder. Understanding these neurobiological markers can help inform personalized interventions and improve outcomes for young individuals navigating this condition.
– Dr. Anthony Gifuni, Researcher at the Douglas Research Centre and Psychiatrist at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute

Dr. Anthony Gifuni works in the Douglas Bipolar Disorder Clinic, specializing in helping young adults who have been newly diagnosed with bipolar disorder. His interventions help to guide them through the challenges of early-stage illness. Bipolar disorder can be profoundly disruptive, but with the right support, individuals can progressively adapt and develop effective strategies for managing their condition.

On this World Bipolar Day, I’d like to recognize the resilience of those living with the condition and express my commitment in advancing clinical care and research to support them.
– Dr. Anthony Gifuni