Synopses & Reviews
Review
"It is widely agreed that when patients with bipolar disorder learn to manage the illness, the treatment, and their lives, much better results follow. But how to do this has rarely been specified. This workbook answers that need. Clearly written, easy to read, and loaded with specific suggestions, techniques, tools, and procedures that every patient can use, this book provides the best recommendations for people with bipolar illness that I have ever seen. I highly recommend it."--A. John Rush, MD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
"As someone involved with bipolar disorder as both a clinician and a parent, I know how important it is for people to learn to control and manage their symptoms instead of their disorder controlling them. This wonderful workbook is practical and easy to use--it will help people with the disorder make positive changes in their lives. In addition, family members will better be able to understand what their loved one is going through and what they can do to help."--Nancy Ferguson-Noyes, RN, CS, Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist and mother of a 15-year-old with bipolar disorder
"Invaluable for people with bipolar disorder. Dr. Basco clearly lays out the 4-step plan to See It Coming, Take Precaution, Reduce Your Symptoms, and Check Your Progress. There is an excellent discussion of the issues that people face in coming to terms with the diagnosis. This excellent book will help people understand that getting the correct diagnosis is an opportunity to make sense of the past and prepare for the future. The Workbook is filled with excellent and easy-to-use forms that will be helpful in recognizing mood shifts, developing a plan of action, challenging unrealistically positive and negative thinking, and reducing the risk of acting out. People with bipolar disorder will find this to be a daily reminder of how much they can effectively help themselves live happier and more productive lives."--Robert L. Leahy, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, Weill Medical College of Cornell University
"Dr. Basco not only offers information about this very difficult illness, but also spells out strategic ways to cope and move forward with life. The Workbook is a beacon of hope for all those suffering from the ups and downs of this disorder."--Laura R., diagnosed 11 years ago
"For many people with bipolar disorder, if not most, medication management is only a partial solution. With this book, expert clinician and master educator Monica Ramirez Basco helps bipolar sufferers and their significant others play a more active role in managing the illness and reducing the risk of relapse. User friendly and a virtual gold mine of practical strategies, this workbook provides essential tools for mastering this all too puzzling illness."--Michael E. Thase, MD, Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
"The era of 'take your meds and shut up' is over. Yes, we need our meds, but we also require the personal skills to be smart and vigilant about our illness. Until now, bipolar came with no instruction manual. Dr Basco has delivered the hitchhikers guide. Thank heaven we dont have to be helpless bystanders anymore."--John McManamy, Editor and Publisher, McMan's Depression and Bipolar Weekly
"This isn't the first book for people with bipolar disorder, but it's one of the best. Detailed and user-friendly, the workbook teaches readers how to recognize and control their symptoms, get over common barriers to coping, and improve their self-esteem. In short, it can help people with bipolar illness (and their family members) get more out of life."--Jan Scott, MD, FRCPsych, author of Overcoming Mood Swings
"The Bipolar Workbook is a powerful and easy-to-use companion to Basco and Rushs groundbreaking book on CBT for bipolar disorder. The Workbook provides patients with a treasure trove of helpful strategies for managing bipolar symptoms and forestalling relapse, while the basic text is the essential resource for therapists who want to implement CBT in clinical practice with this population. Together, the two volumes significantly advance the use of psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorder. I look forward to using these tools with my patients."--Jesse H. Wright, MD, PhD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine "This workbook successfully guides patients through the course of their illness at an easy-to-understand level and is specific to various stages of the illness. It will help patients gain awareness, understanding, knowledge, and ownership of their illness....This is, undoubtedly, one of the best workbooks on bipolar disorder in a long time. It is thorough, realistic, and should be given to all bipolar patients as part of their treatment plan. Highly recommended! 5 stars!"--Doody's Review Service
Review
"This is, undoubtedly, one of the best workbooks on bipolar disorder in a long time. It is thorough, realistic, and should be given to all bipolar patients as part of their treatment plan. Highly recommended. Five stars."--Doody's Review Service
Review
"A practical, bottom line tool....The structure and focus that counselors struggle to impart to persons with bipolar disorder is effectively presented in this client-friendly workbook....The best part, in my view as a therapist, is the overall tone of the book, which is positive, encouraging, and empowering.”--The Masters' Advocate (on the first edition)
Review
"Extremely useful to patients and professionals....This is an excellent example of putting helpful, evidence-based tools and information in the hands of people...who are experiencing a baffling disorder."--PsycCRITIQUES (on the first edition)
Review
"This workbook successfully guides patients through the course of their illness at an easy-to-understand level and is specific to various stages of the illness. It will help patients gain awareness, understanding, knowledge, and ownership of their illness....This is, undoubtedly, one of the best workbooks on bipolar disorder in a long time. It is thorough, realistic, and should be given to all bipolar patients as part of their treatment plan. Highly recommended! 5 stars!"--Doody's Review Service (on the first edition)
Review
"For those on the bipolar spectrum--as well as loved ones who want to understand and help--this book is empathic, respectful, empowering, and accessible. Dr. Basco's deep understanding of the illness is evident. The steps in this book can help you strengthen your commitment to treatment, practice essential coping skills, and achieve greater stability."--Cory F. Newman, PhD, ABPP, Center for Cognitive Therapy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
"This workbook provides essential strategies for coping with mood swings and intense emotions. Dr. Basco explains step by step how to manage the mix of depression and mania symptoms that typically goes along with bipolar disorder. A fantastic book and a 'must read.'"--Thilo Deckersbach, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
"Having suffered with bipolar disorder for years, I am grateful for Dr. Basco's well-organized, easy-to-understand guidance on how to live with this illness. The book contains numerous useful exercises that help you organize your thoughts in a logical way. It helps you understand your symptoms and moods and teaches realistic coping strategies so you can get your life back."--Erin B.
"Dr. Basco once again hits it out of the park with this clear and concise workbook. This book can have a profound effect on improving the quality of life of anyone with bipolar illness."--Daniel J. Taylor, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of North Texas
"A great book has gotten even better. The Workbook is an invaluable aide to managing bipolar disorder and achieving sustained wellness. I highly recommend this lucidly written book to people with bipolar illness and their families and friends."--Madhukar H. Trivedi, MD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Synopsis
Living with bipolar disorder is a lifelong challenge. Those who struggle with the illness have to learn effective ways to control their mood swings, avoid relapse, and get the most from medication-based treatments. This workbook delivers a hands-on resource that gives sufferers the edge they need. Based on proven cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, the book offers a variety of tools that enable readers to recognize the early warning signs of an oncoming episode, develop plans for withstanding the seductive pull of manic episodes, and escape the paralysis of depression. Specific chapters address key challenges at various stages, from overcoming denial of the initial diagnosis to fine-tuning treatments and maintaining gains.
Synopsis
Mood swings may be a part of your life, but the struggle to control them doesnt have to dominate it. Together with the right course of medication, The Bipolar Workbook can put you back in control. Dr. Monica Ramirez Basco has assembled a versatile toolkit of proven self-help strategies designed to help you recognize the early warning signs of relapse, resist the seductive pull of manic episodes, and escape the paralysis of depression. Whether youre new to the diagnosis (and not quite sure it fits) or want to enhance your current treatment, this simple program puts you in charge. Easy-to-follow guidelines and worksheets help you identify problem areas and minimize their impact, including ways to:
*Reduce the recurrence and severity of your symptoms.
*Slow things down and get the sleep you need when mania strikes.
*Keep motivated and avoid procrastination when youre depressed.
*Fine-tune medical treatments to maximize your gains.
*Rein in emotional reactions.
*Stay focused and achieve your goals.
Since every individuals experience with bipolar disorder is unique, Dr. Basco encourages you to customize a plan that suits your needs. So take charge and make a better life.
Synopsis
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong challenge, but it doesn't have to rule a person's life. Many tens of thousands of readers have used the science-based tools in this book to recognize the early warning signs of mood swings, prevent symptoms from coming back, and get more out of treatment. Leading cognitive-behavioral therapy expert Monica Ramirez Basco presents five clear steps for withstanding the seductive pull of manic episodes and escaping the paralysis of depression, complete with vivid stories and practical tools. Significantly revised, the second edition features a new structure, more succinct chapters, and streamlined exercises. Anyone with bipolar illness or less severe mood swings will find essential problem-solving tips and coping strategies.
About the Author
Monica Ramirez Basco, PhD, is a clinical associate professor of psychology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, a therapist in private practice, and a founding fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. She lectures extensively, and has trained physicians and mental health professionals in CBT methods for more than 15 years. With Dr. A. John Rush, Dr. Basco developed the first CBT program for bipolar disorder. Her books include the bestseller
Never Good Enough (Free Press, 1999) and
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Bipolar Disorder, Second Edition (Guilford, 2005). She has authored numerous magazine articles and has appeared on national television programs, including
The Today Show and
The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Table of Contents
Step 1. Get the Big Picture
1. Understand How You Can Control Your Mood Swings
2. Learn about the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
3. Distinguish Symptoms from the Real You
Step 2. See It Coming
4. Recognize and Label Your Moods
5. Identify Triggers and Improve Coping
Step 3. Don't Make It Worse
6. Avoid Things That Make You Feel Worse
7. Don't Let Your Emotions Control Your Thoughts
8. Stop Avoidance and Procrastination
Step 4. Reduce Your Symptoms
9. Regain Control When You Feel Overwhelmed
10. Change Your Negative Outlook
11. Analyze Your Thoughts
12. Work through Denial about Needing Medication
13. Improve Medication Consistency
Step 5. Strengthen Your Coping Skills
14. Effectively Solve Problems
15. Strengthen Stress Management Skills and Healthy Habits
16. Make Better Decisions
17. Maintain Your Gains
Resources