Bipolar Books

Bipolar Disorder Demystified: Mastering the Tightrope of Manic Depression Bipolar disorder, a brain disorder characterized by intense high and low moods, is a complex illness that is often difficult to identify. Each year, at least 2.3 million Americans suffer from its most severe form, while an estimated 10–13 million others suffer from milder forms. Yet, many go misdiagnosed or untreated. In Bipolar Disorder Demystified, author Lana Castle, who has lived most of her life with this illness, turns her personal experience into an enlightening and useful guide for all those traveling down the same path. In clear and compassionate language, Castle helps those who suffer from the illness as well as their friends and family understand the true nature of bipolar disorder, the factors that complicate its diagnosis, and the best ways to cope with it. Bipolar Disorder Demystified makes great strides in dispelling the mystery surrounding this illness, helping readers decide if it’s time to seek treatment and providing those with any form of mood disorder the information they need to better manage their lives.

The Natural Medicine Guide to Bipolar Disorder (The Healthy Mind Guides) The Natural Medicine Guide to Bipolar Disorder,an innovative and inspiring book on natural medicine treatments for a healthy mind, is about healing bipolar, not merely enduring it. Within these pages, medical journalist Stephanie Marohn explores the key contributing factors and triggers for mood disorder and profiles a range of effective, nondrug-based approaches that can truly restore health. Treating the underlying imbalances, rather than suppressing the outer symptoms (as most drugs do), leads to lasting recovery. And only by considering the well-being of the mind and spirit as well as the body can comprehensive healing take place.

The Bipolar Disorder Answer Book: Professional Answers to More than 275 Top Questions Approximately 5.7 million Americans have bipolar disorder, a brain disorder also known as manic-depressive illness. The Bipolar Disorder Answer Book is an authoritative reference for people with Bipolar Disorder and their loved ones, providing sound advice and immediate answers to their most pressing questions.

Written by an experienced psychiatrist, The Bipolar Disorder Answer Book covers such topics as:

-What are the symptoms and different types of Bipolar Disorder?
-Can other illnesses cause Bipolar Disorder?
-What therapies, medications and relapse-prevention strategies can help with Bipolar Disorder?
-How does Bipolar Disorder differ in children and adults?
-What special issues are there for women with Bipolar Disorder?
-How can family and friends respond in a psychiatric emergency?

The Bipolar Disorder Answer Book offers up clear, confident counsel in an easy-to-read Q&A format that explains confusing medical lingo and guides readers through the world of Bipolar Disorder.

The Bipolar Handbook for Children, Teens, and Families: Real-Life Questions with Up-to-Date Answers The most practical and current resource for children and teens affected by bipolar disorder.

A practicing psychiatrist specializing in bipolar disorder for nearly twenty years, Dr. Burgess has helped countless children and teens navigate the minefield of mania and depression and lead successful, happy lives. Drawing on the real questions asked by patients and parents and families of affected children, The Bipolar Handbook for Children, Teens, and Families tackles every area of the disorder: causes; medical treatment and psychotherapy; strategies for creating a healthy lifestyle; and preventing, coping with, and treating bipolar episodes. More than five hundred questions and answers address:

• how to choose the right doctor or specialist for your child;
• what treatment and medication protocols are best; and
• how to reduce stress to prevent manic and depressive episodes.

Special chapters on practical strategies for academic success, building healthy relationships, issues that specifically affect teens versus smaller children, and coping techniques for families and friends further explore the impact of the disorder on daily life. The Bipolar Handbook for Children, Teens, and Families also includes diagnostic criteria from the American Psychiatric Association and the National Institute of Mental Health, making this a versatile guide—perfect for both quick reference and in-depth study.

Bipolar disorder can be devastating. It can disrupt relationships and careers, it can wreak havoc on family life, and, when not properly treated, it can be fatal. Since 1999 this compassionate and comprehensive guide has helped tens of thousands of people cope with this complex disease. This, the second edition of Bipolar Disorder, is thoroughly updated and discusses promising new options for diagnosis and treatment along with new information on the disease's genetic components.

Bipolar disorder is difficult to diagnose. Dr. Mondimore explains how symptoms fluctuate in persons with seasonal affective disorder, how they can lead to a mistaken diagnosis of attention deficit--hyperactivity disorder in children, and how they may be made worse by alcohol or drug addiction.

The disease can also be difficult to treat. Dr. Mondimore gives advice about how to pick a psychiatrist and cope with the stigma of psychiatric diagnosis. He provides extensive information on treatment options, including the advantages, disadvantages, and side effects of various drug therapies.

He also describes what it is like to live with bipolar disorder and discusses how lifestyle changes can improve quality of life. Throughout, he focuses on the importance of building a support system, planning for emergencies, and giving yourself permission to seek help.

All aspects of the disease are addressed: symptoms, with many direct descriptions from patients themselves, risk factors, onset and cause, medications (including drugs still in the testing stage), causes, psychotherapy, and rehabilitation and how the disease affects children and adolescents. Here too are discussions of special problems related to manic-depressive disorder, including alcohol and drug abuse, violent behavior, medication noncompliance, suicide, sex, AIDS, and confidentiality. Surviving Manic Depression also includes special features such as a listing of selected websites, videotapes, and other resources.If knowing one's enemy is key to surviving a prolonged encounter, then Surviving Manic Depression should prove essential reading to those who suffer from this brain disease's horrific highs and lows. Having immersed themselves in the topic, E. Fuller Torrey, M.D., and Michael B. Knable, D.O., offer a comprehensive resource for those afflicted with--or responsible for treating--manic depression. Unfortunately, a surprisingly small amount of data exists regarding its prevalence, and existing studies show conflicting results.

Torrey and Knable's emphasis on dissecting all that is known about the disease clearly indicates that "survival" entails neither escape nor eradication; rather, it requires a lifelong pledge to undertake an effective course of treatment. The first step: learning every suspected cause, symptom, risk factor, and treatment strategy. Sprinkled among statistic-laden paragraphs, touches of empathy arrive via articulate quotations from sufferers including Patty Duke and Kay Jamison. But the crux of Torrey and Knable's work is its compilation of all the informative bits and pieces readers need to build an effective action plan. Most helpful are the chapters that address special problems (including alcohol and drug abuse, violent behavior, medication noncompliance, and the seduction of mania); and their no-holds-barred reviews of books, selected Web sites, and videotapes. --Liane Thomas

Bipolar II is a form of bipolar disorder in which a person, when in a manic cycle, is crippled by anxiety, irritability, and highs just intense enough to be embarrassing. Instead of being the life of the party, someone with Bipolar II might be too nervous to go to the party at all. And, unlike the Bipolar I sufferer who may attempt suicide in a depressive cycle, the Bipolar II might be incapacitated by guilt over an imaginary crime.

In Less than Crazy, health writer and Bipolar II sufferer Karla Dougherty shares her story, presenting the first patient-expert's guide to recognizing and living well with this condition. Covering both adults and children, this accessible, all-in-one resource includes information on diagnosis, conditions that may mimic Bipolar II, and treatments.

Bipolar disorder is about the wildest of euphorias and the deepest of depressions. Now, Alpha Books and Psychology Today present all the information, guidance, and support people with bipolar disorder—and their loved ones—need in order to thrive. This important book contains cutting-edge research and straightforward advice from the most respected names on bipolar disorder, along with the most up-to-date information on mental health organizations and support and advocacy groups. In addition, readers will find inspiring stories of courage and triumph.

• More than two million Americans live with bipolar disorder—and it’s on the rise among children and adolescents
• Includes strategies for navigating the health care system, nurturing relationships, advancing in the workplace, and repairing bridges burned during mania and depression
• Features the latest research—from new pharmaceuticals to innovative therapies, dietary changes to acupuncture, light therapy to mood charting

Help and hope for parents of children who suffer from this prevalent and puzzling disorder

Bipolar disorder has an impact not only on children’s mood and behavior but on the way they experience the world, and consequently on the way they think. The intensity with which a bipolar child perceives things can be the source of creativity and talent, but it can also be a source of confusion and disorganization. If parents can understand the effects of bipolar disorder on their child, they can help him or her to better navigate school, friendships, and family relationships.
Dr. Lombardo provides comprehensive information on:
Professional diagnosis
Developmental issues
Disorders that go hand-in-hand with bipolar, including ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder
Effective treatment – including psychotherapy and medication
Understanding the Mind of the Bipolar Child is essential reading for all parents who want to better understand their child and provide support every step of the way.

Gregory T. Lombardo, M.D., Ph.D., is board certified in adult psychiatry, as well as in child and adolescent psychiatry, and is a diplomate of the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology. He is highly trained and experienced in the treatment of children with bipolar disorder. His practice includes biological diagnosis, clinical psychopharmacology, and psychotherapeutic techniques. He also collaborates closely with psychologists and other therapists in the treatment on children with this disorder. Additionally, he has a background in teaching and writing literature at the college and secondary-school level.

When Gracelyn Guyol was diagnosed in 1993 with a mild form of bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, she was prescribed a commonly used antidepressant. Soon she developed breast cysts and benign tumors, a possible side effect of the antidepressant. She went off the drug and within two months, her tumors disappeared.

Under the care of a naturopath, Guyol embarked on a quest to educate herself about the underlying genetic, hormonal, and other causes of depression and bipolar disorder. She investigated many natural therapies—including diet, vitamins, herbal treatments, and energy healing—before finding the solutions that have kept her free of depression and bipolar symptoms since 2002.

Healing Depression & Bipolar Disorder Without Drugs features Gracelyn Guyol’s own story and those of thirteen other people around the country who have cured their depression and bipolar disorder using only natural therapies. In-depth research and the expertise of alternative health-care professionals are included in this landmark guide for patients and caregivers seeking responsible, safe alternatives to psychiatric drugs.

Recommended Books on Bipolar