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When we or a loved one seeks treatment for mental illness, the treating professional provides a diagnosis and treatment (hopefully!). The diagnosis comes from a very important manual known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM). This manual is periodically revised by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to reflect current research and knowledge.

The largest technology event of its kind, will be held this year in San Diego, March 22 to 27 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel.

The conference examines various aspects of technology for persons with disabilities and features internationally recognized speakers, more than 300 general session workshops and more than 140 exhibitors displaying the latest in assistive technology.

For more information about the conference or how to register, call the Center on Disabilities at (818) 677- 2578 or see the website: www.csunconference.org.

BY LYNN VENHAUS - For the News-Democrat

Sparks ignite and catch fire as Oscar nominees Christopher Plummer and Helen Mirren portray Russian author Leo Tolstoy and Sofya, his bipolar wife of 48 years, during a rocky patch before his death at age 82.

The verbal dexterity so nimbly displayed by the two British greats elevates "The Last Station" from a literary-based soap opera as sudsy as a contemporary "Dynasty."

by Michael Woodhead

Patients with bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder have a poorer prognosis if they are smokers, a prospective two year Melbourne study has shown.

Regular smokers had significantly worse outcomes in terms of bipolar and depression scores compared to non smokers and were also more likely to have longer hospital stays, the study of 240 patients from the Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre found.

Muench J et al. - There is more variability among specific antipsychotic medications than there is between the first- and second-generation antipsychotic classes. The newer second-generation antipsychotics, especially clozapine and olanzapine, generally tend to cause more problems relating to metabolic syndrome, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Q: What fund raiser had guests singing, dancing and laughing on stage?

A: Click! International Bipolar Foundation’s fun, interactive game show was their fund raiser this year.

NEWS RELEASE

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA - COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO

In an effort to break the cycle of incarceration for San Diego’s mentally ill, the San Diego
Superior Court is now providing Behavioral Health Court services. The court program is a
collaborative effort with other government agencies including the District Attorney’s Office,
Public Defender’s Office, Sheriff’s Department, Probation Department, City of San Diego and County Mental Health Services.

Thanks to a supporter's recommendation, IBF is looking into offering a support group for children who have bipolar disorder.

If you and your child are interested, please contact Care & Support Committee Chair ,Lisa Weinreb, at lisaweinreb@gmail.com and tell her your child's name, age and gender.

Thank you,
Muffy Walker, President
International Bipolar Foundation

We recently included in My Support an article about a young lady in Canada who uses a "therapy dog" to help her with her anxiety & other symptoms related to her bipolar disorder. (read the article here)

I then met with Southern California's Tender Loving Canines. They are an organization who trains and places canine companions. Unfortunately they do not have as many trainers as they'd like and therefore have a limited number of dogs to place.

February 10, 2010 NPR reports on children's health and medical news including health insurance, new treatments for diseases, and child product safety recalls.

Read the article