Dear Members,

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that has existed throughout human history, but the prevalence rate is increasing very rapidly in recent years. The increase in the prevalence of bipolar disorder reflects the fact that more patients who were previously misdiagnosed with depression are being correctly diagnosed as bipolar disorder owing to the increased awareness of bipolar disorder. It is also believed to be related to the changes in the daily lifestyles of modern people and the social environment.

Therefore, this suggests that clinical studies on the prevention and treatment of bipolar disorder are important, along with the in-depth study of the etiology and pathogenesis of bipolar disorder. Also, what we should remember is that the bipolarity associated with creativity was found in the people who have contributed greatly to the development of human civilization and cultural and artistic heritage.

The Korean Chapter of the International Society for Bipolar Disorder (ISBD Korea) shall provide good clinical practice for treating bipolar patients as psychiatrists. We also believe that it is also important to find ways to eliminate the social prejudice of bipolar disorder and to improve individuals’ creativity and quality of life.

The International Society for Bipolar Disorder (ISBD) has a tradition of holding special lectures by inviting people who have suffered from bipolar disorder as keynote speakers at the annual conference. This brings us to rethink our role as experts in this field when we consider the social situation in which prejudice against psychiatric disorders is increasing in our society. The ISBD Korea is committed to doing its best as a group of experts, keeping this social responsibility in mind.

March 2021

Heon-Jeong Lee, the Chairman of ISBD Korea