Peer support for mood disorder: Characteristics and benefits from attending the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance mutual-help organization.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mood disorders (MDs) are pervasive and debilitating psychiatric conditions. Many helpful psychological and psychopharmacological treatments exist, but MD's prevalence and chronicity often means relying purely on professional care can create financial strain on individuals and healthcare systems. Also, many individuals respond only partially to professionally-delivered medical/pharmacological interventions or are unable to tolerate or adhere to them. Peer-led mutual-help organizations (MHOs) have emerged and grown in the U.S. to extend and potentiate professional efforts or otherwise address needs unmet by professional care. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the largest of these, but beyond observational evidence, little is known about participation or

SUBMITTER: Kelly JF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6591033 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature