Dr. Susan McElroy is internationally known for her research in bipolar disorder, eating disorders, obesity, impulse control disorders and pharmacology. She is the author of over 300 scientific papers in leading medical journals and was the 8th most cited scientist in the world published in the fields of psychiatry and psychology since 1996. She has also authored over 125 reviews and chapters in major psychiatric textbooks. Dr. McElroy is the editor or author of 4 scientific books and serves on the editorial boards of 5 journals.

As Chief Research Officer at the Lindner Center of HOPE, she currently oversees multiple ongoing studies in mood, anxiety, eating and impulse control disorders, genetics and psychopharmacology. She is also a Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Her degrees are from Colgate University and Cornell University Medical College.

Dr. McElroy explains to Kristie Sheanshang of Flair www.Flairconfidence.com, that one out of four people will have mental illness in their lifetime. That is a staggering number.

Mental illness encompasses: Depression, ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, alcohol abuse, heroine abuse, dementia (early and late onset), and can present themselves at different ages and start at any time in any one.

As a community, there are a few things we can do:

  • Be compassionate to others
  • Many times you won’t know who has a mental illness – many are good at functioning within their disease and can lead a stable life if they are taking their treatment
  • Get educated – The Institute of Mental Health has some great sponsored websites
  • Seek help from your primary doctor if you recognize signs – Early detention and treatment can lead to a better quality of life.
  • Break the stigma – encourage future psychiatrists and psychologists to enter the field – there is a shortage.
  • Lobby or Medicare reform – Rules from 50 years ago provide minimal reimbursement

Listen to hear Dr. Susan McElroy’s research on the strong relationship between mental illness and obesity, how awareness has increased in the past 10 years and how she was discouraged from pursuing her studies in this field. https://flairconfidence.com/media/