About the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
Mission Statement
The mission of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is to provide hope, help, and support to improve the lives of people living with depression or bipolar disorder. DBSA pursues and accomplishes this mission through peer-based, recovery-oriented, empowering services and resources when people want them, where they want them, and how they want them. | The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the leading patient-directed national organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses. The organization fosters an environment of understanding about the impact and management of these life-threatening illnesses by providing up-to-date, scientifically based tools and information written in language the general public can understand. DBSA supports research to promote more timely diagnosis, develop more effective and tolerable treatments, and discover a cure. The organization works to ensure that people living with mood disorders are treated equitably. DBSA was founded in 1985.
DBSA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that answers more than 3,000 calls per month on our toll-free information and referral line and receives over 23 million hits per year on our combined websites. Each month we distribute nearly 20,000 educational materials free of charge to anyone requesting information about mood disorders. DBSA reaches nearly five million people through our educational materials and programs, exhibit materials, and media activities. In 2006, DBSA received more than 1.5 billion media impressions.
DBSA’s prestigious 67-member Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) is comprised of the leading researchers and clinicians in the field of mood disorders. SAB members review all DBSA publications and programs for medical and scientific accuracy. In addition, SAB members present at DBSA conferences, author peer-reviewed manuscripts on behalf of the organization, and represent DBSA to the media.
DBSA has a grassroots network of nearly 1,000 patient-run support groups across the country. Our peer-led chapters and support groups serve about 70,000 people every year. Support groups play an important role in recovery with 86 percent of support group members reporting that their group helped with treatment adherence. This is a key finding because treatment adherence means fewer hospital stays, which in turn means lower insurance costs, greater employee productivity, and significantly increased quality of life. DBSA has 17 state organizations and more than 400 chapters across America.
DBSA publishes more than two dozen educational materials about living with mood disorders, all available free of charge. Its educational materials have no medical or scientific jargon and convey a message of hope and optimism. All materials are reviewed by patients to ensure the contents are targeted for patients and their families.
DBSA helps when people need it most: before diagnosed, when first diagnosed, and when treatment isn’t working.
DBSA advocates in Washington, D.C., on behalf of people living with mood disorders, providing congressional testimony and ensuring the voice of the patient is heard. Current issues include increased research funding, insurance parity, patient confidentiality, increased attention for comorbid illnesses, and integrated treatment for dual diagnosis by dually trained professionals.
DBSA holds an annual conference for its constituents, publishes in peer-reviewed medical journals and sponsors surveys on issues of importance to those living with mood disorders and those treating these disorders.
DBSA affiliated websites:
page created: May 2, 2006 |
page updated: April 17, 2009 | |