Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

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The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), formerly the National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association (NDMDA), is a nonprofit organization providing support groups for people who live with depression or bipolar disorder as well as their friends and family. DBSA's scope also includes outreach, education and advocacy regarding depression and bipolar disorder. [1] DBSA employs a small staff and operates with the guidance of a Scientific Advisory Board. [2]

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DBSA sponsors online [3] and "face to face" [4] support groups. A nonrandomized study found participants in such groups reported their coping skills, medication compliance, and acceptance of their illness correlated with participation. Member hospitalization decreased by 49% (from 82% to 33%). [5] Following an initial meeting, members were found to be 6.8 times more likely to attend subsequent meetings if accompanied by a member the first time. [6]

DBSA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Each month, DBSA distributes nearly 20,000 educational materials free of charge to anyone requesting information about mood disorders.[ citation needed ] DBSA reaches nearly five million people through their educational materials and programs, exhibit materials, and media activities.[ citation needed ] DBSA has more than 200 chapters with approximately 700 support groups. [7] DBSA is the largest patient-run organization for a specific illness in the United States. [8]

There is an association between attendance at DBSA meetings and improvements in functioning and well-being among meeting participants. [9]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (2008-01-22). "About DBSA". Archived from the original on 2011-07-19. Retrieved 2008-09-18.
  2. ↑ Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (2008-04-27). "2007 Scientific Advisory Board". Archived from the original on 2008-12-18. Retrieved 2008-09-18.
  3. ↑ Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. "Online Support Group Entrance". Archived from the original on 2009-02-19. Retrieved 2008-09-18.
  4. ↑ Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. "Find a support group". Archived from the original on 2009-03-21. Retrieved 2008-09-18.
  5. ↑ Kurtz, Linda F. (1988). "Mutual aid for affective disorders: the manic depressive and depressive association". American Journal of Orthopsychiatry . 58 (1): 152–155. doi:10.1111/j.1939-0025.1988.tb01576.x. ISSN   0002-9432. PMID   3344801.
  6. ↑ Powell, Thomas J.; Hill, Elizabeth M.; Warner, Lynn; Yeaton, Willian; Silk, Kenneth R. (2000). "Encouraging People With Mood Disorders to Attend a Self-Help Group". Journal of Applied Social Psychology. 20 (11): 2270–2288. doi:10.1111/j.1559-1816.2000.tb02436.x. ISSN   0021-9029.
  7. ↑ "Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance". Mental Health America. Retrieved 2026-01-17.
  8. ↑ "Support - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)". www.nimh.nih.gov. Retrieved 2026-01-17.
  9. ↑ Kelly, John F.; Hoffman, Lauren; Vilsaint, Corrie; Weiss, Roger; Nierenberg, Andrew; Hoeppner, Bettina (2019-08-01). "Peer support for mood disorder: Characteristics and benefits from attending the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance mutual-help organization". Journal of Affective Disorders. 255: 127–135. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2019.05.039. ISSN   0165-0327.
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