Issues of functionality in bipolar disorders

This is a review derived from the abstracts of a group of symposia and posters presented at the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Regional Group Conference, held in Sydney, Australia, February 5-7, 2004. It consists of selected abstracts published collectively. In part due to sponsorship by the pharmaceutical industry, information presented at national and international meetings often predominantly involves the use of psychotropic drugs. In contrast, the current summary of studies focuses on the impact of bipolar disorders on functionality as this relates to such variables as self-satisfaction, the ability to work, and the ability to get along interpersonally.