UCI psychiatrist wins prestigious CINP award for mood disorders work

The Collegium Internationale Neuro-Psychopharmacologicum is honoring Dr. William Bunney with its prestigious Pioneers in Psychopharmacology Award, bestowed annually upon three individuals who’ve made globally recognized contributions to the field’s growth. Bunney, a Distinguished Professor of
psychiatry & human behavior at UCI’s School of Medicine, has furthered the understanding of mood disorders. His early research helped establish lithium’s effectiveness in treating bipolar disorder,
and his efforts led to official approval of the drug for the condition. Bunney also wrote a seminal paper on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine’s pivotal role in depression. In addition, his work has directly improved the quality of care available to people with substance abuse and psychological disorders. As director of the Division of Narcotic Addiction & Drug Abuse at the National Institute of Mental Health from 1971 to 1973, he expanded the number of drug abuse treatment centers nationwide. The award will be presented June 3 at the CINP meeting in Stockholm.