Stanford to host mood disorder 'dialogue' day July 27

People who suffer from mood disorders, along with their families, caregivers, friends and interested community members, are invited to a free event July 27 on the Stanford campus.

The Mood Disorders Dialogue Day program will run from 9:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Arrillaga Alumni Center, 326 Galvez St. It includes a continental breakfast and lunchtime snack. Although there is no charge for attending, pre-registration is required. Registration, the full agenda and additional information are available at www.bipolar.org.

This is the ninth such annual gathering organized by the School of Medicine's Mood Disorders Center, but this year's event is billed as a "dialogue" day rather than an education day as has been the case in the past.

Terence Ketter, MD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of the Stanford Bipolar Disorders Clinic, said the goal of this year's gathering is to enhance engagement among the various stakeholders involved in dealing with mood disorders. More than 20 percent of Americans suffer from mood disorders (depressive disorders and bipolar disorders), which cause unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy and ability to function.

"I've found these events to be extremely gratifying, as they kindle the interest, enthusiasm and hope of not only clients, but also providers and researchers," Ketter said.

The event will feature presentations from several Stanford faculty members as well as members of the International Bipolar Foundation and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. There will also be breakout groups to discuss topics such as pediatric mood disorders, psychotherapy and medication therapy, and small-group brainstorming sessions on how to foster therapeutic alliances among stakeholders.