The Royal College of Psychiatrists has been
highly commended by the British Medical Association (BMA) for its
information leaflet on bipolar
disorder.
The easy-to-read, evidence-based leaflet
provides information about what causes bipolar disorder, the
problems it can create, ways of coping and the treatments that are
available. It was produced by psychiatrists from the College’s
Public Education Editorial Board, with input from the College’s
service users’ and carers’ forums.
Editorial board member Deborah Hart said: “We
are absolutely delighted to have received this commendation. Public
education is one of the central tasks of the College, and we pride
ourselves on providing simple, accessible information on a range of
mental health problems for anyone who is concerned about
themselves, or about a friend or relative.
“All our leaflets can be downloaded for free
from the College website, and cover issues such as drug and alcohol
problems, eating disorders, bereavement, depression, dementia,
personality disorders, sleep problems, stress, and therapies. Many
of the leaflets have been translated into other languages as well,
which we hope will make them even more accessible.”
The winners of the 2008 BMA Patient
Information Awards were announced at a ceremony in London on 9
September. The awards, which are part of the BMA’s medical book
competition, were established in 1997 to recognise quality in
written patient information leaflets and booklets. They aim to
encourage the production and dissemination of accessible,
well-designed and clinically balanced materials which will enhance
patients' understanding of health issues and their ability to
participate in decisions about their care.
For further information, please contact Liz Fox or Deborah
Hart in the Communications Department.
Telephone: 020 7235 2351 Extensions. 6298 or 6127
Note to editors:
Read the College’s mental health information leaflets for free: www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinformation.aspx
The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ leaflet on Bipolar Disorder was highly commended in the BMA Patient Information Resource of the Year 2008 category. For more information about the 2008 BMA awards, and the full list of winners in all categories, visit www.bma.org.uk