Ma vie en cinemascope, last screening of "Frames of Mind", June 29th

Alternating between feeling extremely energetic and incredibly tired? You may be the one person out of a hundred who has bipolar disorder, a serious condition with severe mood swings. This disorder is the focus of next week’s (June 29, 2005) "Frames of Mind", the Douglas Hospital’s movie series on mental health issues. Douglas Hospital Chief of Clinical Intensive Care, Hani Iskandar, MD, will host the evening, discussing the movie Ma Vie en Cinémascope, his experience in treating bipolar disorder patients and current research. The community is invited to come watch the movie and participate in the discussion.

“Bipolar disorders are not always easy to diagnose, particularly in young adults, “ says Dr. Iskandar. “Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and finding the right medication are important as it can lessen the effects of the disorder on the individual. Also, learning about the disorder, its signs and symptoms, treatment and triggers is an essential part of illness self-management. With knowledge, people with bipolar disorder and their families are better equipped to prevent further relapse. Movies such as Ma Vie en Cinémascope help to educate the community.”

Bipolar disorder or manic-depressive illness involves changes in brain function that lead to dramatic mood swings. These mood swings can be so severe that they impair the ability to function normally at work, at school and in relationships. It usually begins in early adulthood and affects men and women equally. The symptoms include,

• Mania: elevated mood, heightened energy, creativity and social ease
• Hypomania: a milder form of mania, elevated mood
• Depression: intense, pervasive, persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and frustration

Researchers at the Douglas are actively investigating how sleep may influence mood changes in patients with bipolar disorder. Work is also being conducted to look at the psychological and physiological profile of these patients.

NB. The film will be shown in French with English subtitles, discussion will be bilingual. Entrance is free.

Information

Florence Meney
Media Relation
Communications and public affairs
Phone: 514-761-6131, ext. 2769
Cell.: 514-835-3236
florence_dot_meney_At_douglas_dot_mcgill_dot_ca