Synopses & Reviews
Review
"Recommended."--Library Journal (on the previous edition) Library Journal
Review
"The author's expertise, compassion, and experience are evident throughout....Well worth reading and remembering."--NAMI Advocate (on the previous edition) NAMI Advocate
Review
"The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide is a thorough, research-based book for consumers who would like to learn about their illness and how to manage it."--Reintegration Today (on the previous edition) Reintegration Today
Review
"This book is crammed full of useful information for bipolar patients, their family members, therapists, friends, lovers, employers and anyone else interested in bipolar disorders....This book is so well written and so full of useful advice as to how to plan and organize a life, that it could be profitably studied by anyone, whether or not he or she has bipolar disorder or knows someone who does."--
Metapsychology Online Book Reviews (on the previous edition)
Metapsychology Online Book Reviews
Review
"A practical, straightforward book that will be a great help to those who have bipolar illness, as well as their families. I could not recommend this book more highly."--Kay Redfield Jamison, PhD, author of
An Unquiet Mind"This book has been a faithful friend in the difficult time since my diagnosis. I particularly appreciate the insights into communicating effectively with doctors, family, and friends after an episode. The charts, lists, and practical tools are amazing for those of us who like to be proactive and organized. But the best part of the book is the quotations from others with the disorder who share their experiences and feelings. I've said some of these exact things myself; seeing them here helps me feel just a little bit less isolated and more hopeful."--N.B., Boulder, Colorado
Synopsis
A bipolar diagnosis can be overwhelming to sufferers and their family members. They need trustworthy information and support for finding the right treatment and coping with the illness's devastating ups and downs. Over 200,000 readers have already found exactly that in this indispensable guide from a leading expert. Explaining the disorder's causes, diagnosis, and best current treatments, David J. Miklowitz shows how to plan for and reduce recurrences of mood symptoms, make needed lifestyle changes to stay well, and strengthen relationships strained by the illness. Readers love the user-friendly tone, true-to-life stories, checklists, worksheets, and practical problem-solving advice. Updated throughout, the second edition has a new chapter, "For Women Only"; the latest facts on medications and therapy; and an expanded discussion of parenting issues for bipolar adults.
Synopsis
Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward reclaiming your life from bipolar disorder. But if you or someone you love is struggling with the frantic highs and crushing lows of this illness, there are still many hurdles to surmount at home, at work, and in daily life. You need current information and practical problem-solving advice you can count on. You've come to the right place. * How can you distinguish between early warning signs of bipolar mood swings and normal ups and downs? * What medications are available, and what are their side effects? * What should you do when you find yourself escalating into mania or descending into depression? * How can you tell your coworkers about your illness without endangering your career? * If you have a family member with bipolar disorder, how can you provide constructive help and support? Trusted authority Dr. David J. Miklowitz offers straight talk, true stories, and proven strategies that can help you achieve greater balance and free yourself from out-of-control moods. The updated second edition of this bestselling guide has the latest facts on medications and therapy, an expanded discussion of parenting issues for bipolar adults, and a new chapter, "For Women Only."
About the Author
David J. Miklowitz, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), School of Medicine, and Senior Clinical Researcher at Oxford University, UK. He directs the Integrative Study Center in Mood Disorders and the Child and Adolescent Mood Disorders Program at the UCLA Semel Institute. Dr. Miklowitz's numerous publications include the award-winning book for professionals
Bipolar Disorder: A Family-Focused Treatment Approach. He lives with his wife in Los Angeles.
Table of Contents
I. The Experience and Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder1. How This Book Can Help You Survive—and Thrive2. Understanding the Experience of Bipolar Disorder3. Into the Doctor’s Court: Getting an Accurate Diagnosis4. “Is It an Illness or Is It Me?”: Coping with the DiagnosisII. Laying the Foundation for Effective Treatment5. Where Bipolar Disorder Comes From: Genetics, Biology, and Stress6. What Medication and Psychotherapy Can Do for You7. Coming to Terms with Your MedicationsIII. Practical Strategies for Staying Well 8. Tips to Help You Manage Moods and Improve Your Daily Life9. Heading Off the Escalation of Mania10. Halting the Spiral of Depression 11. Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings12. For Women Only: What You Need to Know about Bipolar Disorder and Your Health13. Succeeding at Home and at Work: Communication, Problem-Solving Skills, and Dealing Effectively with StigmaResources for People with Bipolar Disorder