Media Advisory - Demystifying Bipolar Disorder in Ontario - Perception vs.
Reality

    
    A fact-based media briefing on bipolar disorder and its impact on young
    adults in Ontario
    

TORONTO , Sept. 28 /CNW/ - An estimated three to five per cent of Ontarians live with bipolar disorder. Although the illness varies from one person to the next, bipolar disorder almost always has a drastic impact on how individuals think, behave and function. It dramatically affects the lives of those who have the illness as well as their families and friends.

In preparation for Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 4-11), please join us in a live webcast media briefing that will address some of the facts and perceptions about bipolar disorder with a particular focus on young adults. Media are invited to participate via webcast, where a panel of experts will highlight:

    
    -   Understanding bipolar disorder - statistics on prevalence, diagnosis
        among young adults, individuals seeking help and more.
    -   Issues related to diagnosis, causation factors and treatment plans.
    -   Bipolar disorder and young adults - impact on relationships, school
        and work.
    -   Recovery - a personal success story

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    When:        Tuesday September 29, 2009
                 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (EDT) - one hour panel presentation,
                 followed by Q&A session.

    How:         Webcast Media Briefing hosted by the Mood Disorders
                 Association of Ontario in partnership with the University of
                 Toronto. Once you confirm your attendance (see below for
                 contact information), log-in instructions will be provided.

    Who:         Karen Liberman, Executive Director, Mood Disorder
                 Association of Ontario (moderator)

                 Dr. Roger McIntyre, Head of the Mood Disorders
                 Psychopharmacology Unit at the University Health Network and
                 Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at the
                 University of Toronto.

                 Catherine Bancroft, Coordinator of Family and Youth
                 Programs, Mood Disorders Association of Ontario

                 Maisha Grant, lives with bipolar disorder.

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The Mood Disorders Association of Ontario (MDAO) is dedicated to helping people with mood disorders and their families with care, compassion, respect and equity. For more information about the MDAO, please visit www.mooddisorders.on.ca.

The University of Toronto (U of T) has assembled one of the strongest research and teaching faculties in North America , presenting top students at all levels with an intellectual environment unmatched in breadth and depth on any other Canadian campus. Established in 1827, the University of Toronto today operates in downtown Toronto , Mississauga and Scarborough, as well as in ten renowned academic hospitals. For more information about U of T, please visit www.utoronto.ca.

Please RSVP by Monday September 28, 2009 . Upon receipt of your confirmation, you will receive web log-in instructions.

For further information: Please RSVP to: Jennifer Ouellette, Thornley Fallis Communications, [phone] x 386, [email protected]