Lancaster University - A new focus on bipolar disorder

The treatment of bipolar disorder will be the focus of a new research centre. Lancaster University's £3million Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research will work on developing psychological treatments for the illness, which is characterised by alternating periods of depression and mania, and costs the NHS £200 million a year. Steven Jones, the centre's director, said bipolar disorder was under-recognised because of the fluctuating nature of its symptoms. "Currently, only very few individuals with this diagnosis are able to access high-quality psychological help and we want to work towards changing this situation," he said.