Product Description

Bipolar Disorder affects many more people than just the 2.5 million Americans who suffer from the disease. Like depression and other serious illnesses, bipolar disorder also affects spouses, partners, family members, friends and coworkers. And, according to the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation, 150f children diagnosed with ADHD may actually be suffering from early-onset of Bipolar Disorder.

Bipolar Disorder For Dummies reveals some of the causes and consequences of bipolar disorder, let you in on some crisis survival strategies, and describe ways that friends and family members can support loved ones who have the disease. The book includes an overview of the causes and symptoms of bipolar disorder, explains step-by-step how to obtain an accurate diagnosis, discusses the medications available, and tells what you can and can't do to help someone with the disease. You'll learn:

• The different categories and potential causes of bipolar disorder
• How to select the right mental health specialist
• Managing employment-related issues brought on because of the disorder
• How bipolar disorder affects children
• Advocating for yourself or a loved one
• Planning ahead for manic and depressive episodes
• Selecting the best medications for you—including alternative "natural" treatments
• How to survive an immediate crisis situation
• Identifying triggers and mapping your moods

Complete with fill-in-the-blanks forms and charts, key web site and email addresses, and first-hand accounts from real people, Bipolar Disorder For Dummies gives you the latest information and self-help strategies you and your loved ones need to help everyone affected feel a whole lot better.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12577 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 360 pages

Review
"...Bipolar expert Candida Fink has written a book that explains it clearly, and provides plenty of advice on the latest drugs as well as telling you how to spot early signs of the condition..." (Independent on Sunday, 25^th September 2005)

Download Description
A reassuring guide to understanding, treating, and living with this complex condition Recent revelations by popular television host Jane Pauley and former Chicago Bear football star Alonzo Spellman;that they each suffer from bipolar disorder ;has shed light on what was once a very hidden and misunderstood disease. This important guide delivers the latest information to help sufferers and loved ones learn about and cope with bipolar disorder. Topics include diagnosis and treatment, selecting a mental health specialist, advocating for oneself or a loved one, managing employment-related issues, planning ahead for manic and depressive episodes, the brain chemistry behind the disease, social dysfunction caused by the illness, children affected by the disorder, and much more. Candida Fink, MD (New Rochelle, NY), is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder. Joe Kraynak (Indianapolis, IN) is a professional writer.

From the Back Cover
Identify your stressors and triggers

Get an accurate diagnosis and get on with your life!

Want to know more about bipolar disorder? This reassuring guide explains the brain chemistry behind the disease and covers the latest medications and therapies. You get sound advice and self-help techniques that you and your loved ones, including kids and teens, can use to ease and eliminate symptoms, function in times of crisis, plan ahead for manic or depressive episodes, and feel a whole lot better.

Discover how to

• Select a mental health specialist
• Take control of your treatment
• Maintain mood stability
• Make positive lifestyle changes
• Know your medication options

Customer Reviews

The Perfect Handbook
Written with humor, intelligence and straight forward answers, this book priceless. I have always loved the "For Dummies" format for computer and web design related things but I had no idea it could be so helpful with mood disorders.
It speaks to you in plain english, uses real life situations and common sense answers. It is NOT a replacement for treatment, but it is an EXCELLENT guide to finding the RIGHT treatment, asking the right questions and helping you understand the condition.
If you have biploar disorder or know someone who does, buy this book! It's an EXCELLENT handbook for friends and relatives. Buy one for yourself copies for those you love.

I'm the Bipolar Bear
I found this book to be the most informative source for my bipolar disorder. It identified all the things that were causing or increasing my manic episodes and how to deal with them. I discovered that my ex-wife (the author of "The Bipolar Bear Family") was not only a stress point for me but was also a sabetur in my treatment. I learned how to set up a healthy support system with my friends and family. This is a must read for those who are diagnosed or may be diagnosed with this elusive disorder. Family and close friends of bipolar sufferers will also find this book informative and helpful.

THE BEST Book if you're searching for answers
After being realeased from a rehab facility (where I was admitted for severe depression) I left with a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder and knew nothing about it. I finally had an answer to why I would have extreme swings of ups and downs but I didn't know how to manage it. The first thing I saw that seemed like it wasn't medical mumbo jumbo was this book. I ate it up and digested it as if I had discovered some exotic food for the first time that I couldn't get enough of. Talk about answers!!! From the first page I started reading, it explained in VERY SIMPLE, EASY TO UNDERSTAND terms what Bipolar disorder is, what to look for, and how to come up with a plan. My support team (husband, parents, sister, and best friend) were all given my "plan" as a result of this book that has come in very handy when I was on one extreme or the other. If you have bipolar disorder or have a spouse, friend, or family member with the disorder, this is the FIRST AND ONLY book I would recommend.