Clinic for Bipolar Disorders

Dear Sir or Madam, dear patient:

In July 2014, the Clinic for Bipolar Disorders of the Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics (IPPG) was established on the premises of the Campus Innenstadt of the Medical Center of the University of Munich.  It is physically located in the outpatient wing of the University’s Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (Nußbaumstraße 7, 80336 Munich). Its services are jointly provided by staff of both institutions. The Clinic is lead by Dr. Fanny Senner and headed by the director of the IPPG, Prof. Dr. Thomas G. Schulze (Secretariat: room A-110, Phone: 089-440055546). Supervision by a senior physician is carried out in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (PD. Dr. Kristina Adorjan).

In close collaboration with the outpatient section of Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, we are currently developing a multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic framework aimed at the specific needs of patients suffering from bipolar disorder (or manic-depressive illness).

Diagnostic assessment

In an initial interview, we will gather your current medical condition as well as your prior medical, psychiatric, and family history. In order to rule out hormonal or other organic causes of your condition, we may also order specific lab tests requiring a blood draw or a spinal tab. Likewise, we may also refer you for an electrocardiogram (ECG), electroencephalogram (EEG), CAT or MRI scan. In some instances, we may also use questionnaires, so called "structured interviews" for an in-depth diagnostic assessment and more individualized treatment planning.

Counseling / Treatment

Once a diagnosis has been established, we will discuss the available treatment options with you, tailored to your needs.  These will typically comprise both medication and psychotherapeutic measures. We will help you learn about all aspects of your condition, such as causes, trigger situations, symptoms, and treatment strategies (psychoeducation).

Furthermore, we will be happy to work with your local psychiatrist or general practitioner to optimize your treatment options. For some patients, repeated and regular visits with our Clinic or admission to the Special Unit for Bipolar Disorders of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy may be warranted.

Trialogical concept

In collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and the German Society for Bipolar Disorders we are working towards the implementation of a "trialogical concept", i.e. a comprehensive approach to treatment that involves the treating psychiatrist/psychotherapist, the patients and their relatives, characterized by mutual trust and respect.

Participation in research

In collaboration with numerous national and international research centers, we are conducting a variety of scientific studies, focusing on both the investigation of causes of and treatment options in bipolar disorders. As for genetic studies into bipolar disorder, the IPPG ranks among the leading institutions worldwide. Please ask our staff for opportunities to participate in our research protocols. Being a research volunteer at the IPPG will give you the opportunity to not only receive state-of-the-art diagnostic work-up and treatment but to help us learn more about the underlying causes of bipolar disorders and about better ways to treat them.

To learn more about our current studies, please go to (NOT for appointments or emergency cases):

PsyCourse (www.psycourse.de)
Phone: 089-4400-55546

Bipo-Life (www.bipolife.org)
Phone: 089-4400-55546