For Clinicians 

DBSA is assisted by a 65-member Scientific Advisory Board comprised of the leading researchers and clinicians in the field of mood disorders.

DBSA advocates for patients and patients, encouraging productive consumer/provider partnerships. We believe that the best outcomes occur when the physician and patient are collaborative partners in the treatment decision-making process. 

Because DBSA is consumer-run, we can offer clinicians and other professionals unique insight into the needs of patients and clients in areas such as treatment and communication.

Scientific Publishing by DBSA

• Patient Perspectives on Provider Competence: A View from the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance  (.pdf)
• The Physicians’ Guide to Depression and Bipolar Disorders
• The State of Depression in America

Tools for Physicans

• Are you sure it’s depression? (.pdf)
• Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) with Key (.pdf)
• Personal Calendar
• Life-Charting for Clinicians from Bipolar Network News
  

Empowering Your Patient
Patient empowerment and education can also facilitate better outcomes. Increased knowledge about the symptoms and treatment of mood disorders can improve physician/patient relationships and motivate people to stick with treatment. A group of understanding peers can provide this education in a non-threatening, accessible way. DBSA’s patient-run support groups provide a safe and welcoming forum for mutual acceptance and self-discovery. Group members share coping skills and help one another understand treatment. Physicians can give patients a solid recovery foundation by referring them to area DBSA groups, or contacting DBSA to start a group.

Is there a DBSA support group in your area?

Can you and your patients help start one?

Education Resources
A recent online DBSA survey revealed that more than half of patients had not been given any written educational materials, and the majority of those who received information said they wished they had received more.

DBSA materials are hopeful, helpful and easy to read. Consider keeping a supply of `Introduction to Depression and Bipolar Disorder` (also available in Spanish) or `Working Toward Wellness` in your office so patients can walk away with material to support them between appointments.  You can view our patient brochures by clicking here.