Kimberly Read and Marcia Purse have served as About.com's Guides to Bipolar Disorder since 1998. Both bring a background of research skills and personal experience to their writing and their work with the bipolar disorder community.

Kimberly's previous experience includes a background in research as a lab manager for an institute conducting research in alcohol and substance use. During her tenure as a social worker, she also gained a great deal of experience dealing with people in difficult and crisis situations. Her introduction to bipolar disorder came through the diagnosis of a family member. Her education about the nature of this disorder began during his subsequent hospitalization and has continued through many life experiences as well as the completion of her degree in Psychology.

Marcia brings top-notch research skills acquired during several years of web searching experience to the task of finding information on the internet regarding bipolar disorder. Having been diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, Marcia believes that being a "student" of the subject gives her a special personal interest in finding -- and sharing -- as much information as possible.

Kimberly holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology through the University of South Florida and a Master of Business Administration through the University of Maryland University College.

Marcia has an Associate of Arts degree in English from Kendall College and -- what she considers much more valuable than schooling -- many years of surviving and sometimes succeeding in the real world with a mental illness.

From Kimberly: For the past ten years, I've been closely following the research and treatment trends for bipolar disorder. There have been some advances and the prognosis for those with this disorder has improved, but we still have a long way to go. I am excited to see what progress is made in the next ten years.

From Marcia: What you want to know about bipolar disorder, I want to know, too. I need to know it. I'll do my best to find it for us.