At the Seventh International Conference on Bipolar Disorder held in Pittsburgh in June 2007, John McManamy, editor and publisher of "McMan's Depression and Bipolar Web," received the prestigious Mogens Schou Award for Public Service.

The Mogens Schou Awards were named in recognition and appreciation of the late Danish psychiatrist, Mogens Schou MD, Dr Med Sci, whose groundbreaking research and tireless efforts more than 50 years ago opened the door to lithium treatment, thereby changing the face of psychiatry. Dr Schou's work is universally acknowledged in saving the lives of millions and in allowing many millions more to lead productive lives.

“This year’s Mogens Schou Awards continue the strong tradition of honoring those heroes who are making major advances that bring hope to those suffering from bipolar disorder,” said David Kupfer MD, chair of the department of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

The International Conference on Bipolar Disorder, hosted every two years by the University of Pittsburgh and Western Psychiatric Institute, is recognized as the world's leading gathering of bipolar experts.

The Conference singled out this Website as part of John McManamy's accomplishments, along with his Newsletter, his Blog, and his book, "Living Well with Depression and Bipolar Disorder."

Also honored was the University of Barcelona powerhouse team of Francesc Colom PsyD, PhD, and Eduard Vieta MD, PhD who each received the Mogens Schou Award for Research. Their studies have been frequently cited in this Newsletter, especially in relation to the important field of psychoeducation. Dr Colom's and Vieta's innovations in this area represent ground-breaking advances in improved treatment adherence, illness management, and patient outcomes.

Rounding out the list of honorees was the Brazilian Association for Affective Disorders (ABRATA) for Education and Advocacy. Adriano Camargo, president of ABRATA, accepted the award on the organization’s behalf. The Conference cited the organization for its work in educating patients, their families, health professionals and the public, for patient and family support, advocacy, and encouraging research.

In his acceptance remarks at a special award function held on the second evening of the Conference, John McManamy thanked the more than 300 people in attendance, whose research he has cited in this Newsletter and whose wisdom and insight has guided him over the years. "If it is important enough to tell your colleagues," he advised, "it's important enough to tell my readers - your patients."

In referring to some of the brain science research that featured at the Conference's opening session, John McManamy said that this is not merely esoteric information. This is information patients can use right now to better manage their stress and to build partnerships with their clinicians.

"To all of you in this room," John McManamy concluded, "and to all your colleagues around the world - you who have dedicated your lives to improving ours - I gratefully dedicate this Award."

Previous Mogens Schou Honorees

2001, Fourth International Conference on Bipolar Disorder:

Mogens Schou MD, Dr Med Sc (Danish lithium pioneer, Founder's Award)
Jules Angst MD (legendary Swiss diagnostician, for Research)
Vada and Ted Stanley (philanthropists, for Distinguished Service)

2003, Fifth International Conference on Bipolar Disorder:

Husseini Manji MD (NIMH researcher who has identified a number of molecular targets for meds development, for Research)
Kay Jamison PhD (co-author of the definitive text on bipolar and recurrent depression, author of "An Unquiet Mind" and "Touched with Fire, Time Magazine "Hero of Medicine", for Education)
Waltraud Prechter (philanthropist, for Distinguished Service)

2005, Sixth International Conference on Bipolar Disorder:

Samuel Gershon MD (Australian lithium pioneer, co-founder of the International Society of Bipolar Disorders, co-founder of the Journal, "Bipolar Disorders," for Distinguished Service)
David Miklowitz PhD (pioneer of family-focused therapy, author of "The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide," for Research)
Paolo Lucio Morselli MD, Italian pharmacology pioneer, GAMIAN secretary-general, for Education and Advocacy).

For a More Chatty Account of My Big Night ...

Check out my blog, Pittsburgh: Then and Now ("The cocktail hour portion of the evening is coming to a close. It is time for me to move forward toward a small stage platform and hover. On a small table are four Plexiglas Awards, resplendently bathed in discreet overhead lighting.")