UNAIR NEWS – In collaboration with Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) and the Indonesian Psychiatric Association (PDSKJI) Surabaya branch, the Surabaya City Health Office recently conducted a mental health training session. Titled “The Importance of Early Detection and Management of Bipolar Disorder in Adolescents,” the event was held at the Arya Satya Building of the Surabaya Health Office on Tuesday (March 18, 2025) to commemorate World Bipolar Day.
The training was attended by 125 participants, including healthcare professionals, psychologists, and community health cadres from various public health centers (puskesmas) across Surabaya. The program aimed to enhance their ability to recognize and manage bipolar disorder, with a particular focus on adolescent cases.
Rising bipolar disorder cases
In her opening remarks, Dr. Novita Dwi, a representative of the Surabaya City Health Office, highlighted a concerning rise in bipolar disorder cases among adolescents over the past three years. “Our evaluation shows a sharp increase in reported bipolar cases in Surabaya, from 113 cases in 2022 to 603 in 2023, and further climbing to 632 in 2024. These figures indicate an urgent need for a more comprehensive approach to treatment and prevention,” she stated.
She also emphasized that the stigma surrounding mental health continues to be a significant barrier to early intervention. Many adolescents visit public health centers with complaints of insomnia or emotional distress, yet they hesitate to seek psychiatric care due to widespread societal misconceptions.
UNAIR contribution to the training
The event featured expert speakers from UNAIR, including Dr. Yunias Setiawati, Sp.KJ, Subsp. AR (K), FISCM, and Prof. Dr. Margarita M. Maramis, Sp.KJ, Subsp. BP (K), FISCM. Prof. Maramis introduced the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), a validated screening tool widely used to detect mood disorders in adolescents.
Dr. Setiawati led an in-depth discussion on bipolar disorder in young people, explaining how a lack of emotional support during their transition to independence can contribute to the onset of the condition. “Teenagers striving for independence but lacking adequate support often experience depression or emotional instability, which can develop into more serious mental health issues,” she explained.
The discussion also underscored the crucial role of family involvement in preventing and managing bipolar disorder. “Family support plays a key role in mitigating bipolar disorder risks. A lack of parental awareness can worsen a child’s condition and hinder the recovery process,” Dr. Setiawati noted.
In addition to educational sessions, the training included practical simulations on early detection techniques and focus group discussions (FGD). These interactive sessions allowed participants to practice identifying early symptoms and referring affected individuals to appropriate healthcare facilities for further treatment.
Author: Samudra Luhur Editor : Edwin Fatahuddin
