Reflection by Mary Lou Chatterton
The SMHR conference was a great opportunity to hear about new research across a wide range of mental health issues (anxiety, autism, eating disorders, depression, psychosis, PTSD, substance use, bipolar disorder), and a variety of interventions and settings (schools, online, telehealth, peer support, parenting, microbiome, medications).
There were only two rapid oral presentations (5 minutes each) on bipolar disorder in the rest of the conference, making the CORE-BD symposium the main session highlighting bipolar disorder research.
Six symposium presentations comprised the CORE-BD session:
Aswin Ratheesh (University of New South Wales) presented his research findings that amphetamine-type stimulant use in young people (16-25 years) was associated with an elevated risk of bipolar disorder and psychosis spectrum disorders.
Jacob Crouse (University of Sydney) described an ambitious program of work on the role of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbance in bipolar disorder funded through a Wellcome grant.
Catherine Orr (Swinburne University of Technology) reviewed her international program of work (across UK, US and Australia) investigating circadian disruption of dopamine in bipolar disorder. Her work includes research in both humans and mice.
Tania Perich (Western Sydney University) discussed the unique challenges for women living with bipolar disorder since her rapid review of the literature provided few studies.
Olivia Dean (IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University) presented results from a randomised trial of mangosteen pericarp in bipolar disorder and the additional analyses to identify factors related to improved depression outcomes.
Greg Humble (University of Melbourne) presented the protocol for the KITE trial investigating the use of ketamine for treating depression in people with bipolar disorder.
