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NTL MEDIA ALERT                                                                                                                                                                  EMBARGOED: MON, NOVEMBER 20, 2018

Cracking the genetic code of bipolar disorder

Federal Health Minister, mental health champions & researchers appealing for
5,000 Aussie volunteers for world’s largest genetic bipolar disorder investigation

Bipolar mental disorder abstract psychological illness concept as a butterfly divided as one side in grey and sad colors with the other in full bright tones as a medical metaphor for psychiatric mood or feelings imbalance.

Tomorrow (November 20, 2018), the Federal Health Minister, mental health champions and researchers will issue a joint call for 5,000 adults who have been treated for bipolar disorder to volunteer for the world’s largest investigation into the chronic mental illness1.

Identifying the genes that predispose people to bipolar disorder (which results in strong changes in mood and energy levels) will revolutionise future research into its causes, treatment and prevention1.

Approximately one in 50 Australians (1.8 per cent) will experience bipolar disorder during their lifetime2. The complex disorder which occurs commonly in families, typically results from a combination of genetic and environmental influences2. Those living with bipolar disorder also carry a 15 times greater risk of suicide than the general population, accounting for up to 25 per cent of all suicides2. To learn why Australians should volunteer for the Australian Genetics of Bipolar Disorder Study, tee up an interview with a mental health champion, study investigator, expert and/or study participant tomorrow.


MENTAL HEALTH CHAMPIONS
Dan Hunt, Former NRL Player, mental health advocate & founder, Mental Health Movement Company, proudly managing bipolar II disorder, SYDNEY
Enrique “TOPO” Rodriguez, Former Wallaby, author & Managing Director, Australian-Argentine Business Council, who has lived with bipolar II disorder since the 80s, SYDNEY
Neil Cole, Award-winning playwright, researcher & former Shadow Attorney-General who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the early 90s, MELBOURNE


AUSTRALIAN GENETICS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER STUDY INVESTIGATORS
Prof Ian Hickie, AM,Co-Investigator, Australian Genetics of Bipolar Disorder Study & Co-Director for Health & Policy, Brain & Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, SYDNEY
Prof Sarah Medland, Lead Investigator, Australian Genetics of Bipolar Disorder Study & Head of the Psychiatric Genetics Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, BRISBANE
Neil Cole, Co-Investigator, Australian Genetics of Bipolar Disorder Study & Head of the Genetic Epidemiology Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, BRISBANE


OTHER EXPERTS
Prof Nick Glozier, Professor of Psychological Medicine Psychiatry, Sydney Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, SYDNEY
A/Prof James Scott, Child & adolescent psychiatrist & clinical researcher, Metro North Mental Health Service, BRISBANE
Prof Michael Berk, Prof. of Psychiatry, Deakin University & Barwon Health & Director, IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, GEELONG
Prof Ken Kirkby, Prof. of Psychiatry, University of Tasmania & Consultant Psychiatrist, Royal Hobart Hospital, HOBART
Dr Natalie Mills, Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry, Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, ADELAIDE
Dr Darryl Bassett, Consultant Psychiatrist & Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, PERTH


STUDY PARTICIPANTS
Alex, 21, Childcare worker & musician who was diagnosed with bipolar I disorder at just 16 years of age, SYDNEY
Jess, 24, Uni student & sales assistant who has been experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder since childhood, SYDNEY
Jo, 39, Freelance journalist & mother of two who battled bipolar disorder for 10 years pre-diagnosis, NEWCASTLE
Bek, 46, Freelance journalist & mother of two who battled bipolar disorder for 10 years pre-diagnosis, NEWCASTLE
Anita, 43, Mother, writer, mental health advocate & veterinarian who has lived with bipolar I disorder for the past 12 years, BRISBANE
David, 57, Father of four & research coordinator who has battled symptoms of bipolar disorder since her teens, MELBOURNE
Kate, 48, Teacher, mother & budding artist who has lived with bipolar disorder symptoms since adolescence, MELBOURNE
Justin, 31, Aquaculture technician, avid camper & four-wheel driver who has lived with bipolar disorder since his late teens, HOBART
Scott, 45, Father, handyman & former SES volunteer who struggled with undiagnosed bipolar disorder for many years, ADELAIDE
Petra, 46, Mother of two & volunteer who has grappled with bipolar disorder symptoms since her teens, PERTH
Tameka, 49, Mother, carer & photography enthusiast who has experienced symptoms of bipolar disorder for most of her life, PERTH


 

MEDIA CONTACTS: Kirsten Bruce, 0401 717 566; Holly Hamilton, 0434 799 839, VIVA! Communications

VISION: VNR available via satellite feed @ 9.15am AEST MON, NOVEMBER 12, 2018 from 7 Network SYDNEY – please record & ask Ch 7 in your capital city to on-pass, if an affiliate

DIGITAL MEDIA KIT: www.geneticsofbipolar.org.au/media

References:

  1. The Australian Genetics of Bipolar Disorder Study. Available at https://geneticsofbipolar.org.au [last accessed July, 2018].
  2. Black Dog Institute. Clinical Resources; Bipolar Disorder; What is Bipolar Disorder. Available at: https://blackdoginstitute.org.au/clinical-resources/bipolar-disorder/what-is-bipolar-disorder [last accessed July, 2018].

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