The Need for Accurate Representation of Mental Health Disorders in Entertainment

Over three million adults in America are affected by bipolar I disorder. While some mental illnesses have recently become more actively discussed and normalized with the public, bipolar I disorder remains one of the most polarizing mental illnesses. Julie Adams, Executive Medical Director and Global Development Lead of Psychiatry at AbbVie, discusses the need for more realistic, accurate representations of mental health disorders like bipolar I disorder in media and entertainment, to avoid negative stereotypes. The campaign “Lights, Camera, Advocacy for Bipolar I” brings together mental health advocates and leading storytellers to raise awareness and help lift the stigma associated with bipolar I disorder in Hollywood. More information and resources can be found at LightsCameraAdvocacy.com.

Julie Adams is the Executive Medical Director and Global Development Lead of Psychiatry at AbbVie. With a decade of experience diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders as a practicing psychiatrist, Julie brings an expert clinical voice to conversations around mental health. Before branching into pharmaceuticals, Julie was an Assistant Professor at Duke University for 8 years, where she also completed her Psychiatry Residency. Prior to completing residency, Julie obtained her Master of Public Health from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and her MD from Loma Linda University. Julie holds a BS from Pacific Union College where she majored in Chemistry.