Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #34097 in Books
• Published on: 2006-02-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

From Kirkus Reviews
paper 0-8018-6118-7 An exhaustive, scientific, yet compassionate assist for sufferers of ``the chameleon of psychiatric disorders'' and their families. Psychiatrist Mondimore (Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill) looks first at the symptoms and diagnosis of bipolar disorder, or manic-depression: the disease wears many masks that can make diagnosis difficult. Mondimore concedes that at present psychiatrists are generally working with the same diagnostic tools that were used in the 19th century: their eyes and ears. He goes on to discuss treatment. Medications are first and foremostprimarily mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. He follows with a thoughtful considerations of electroconvulsive therapy, counseling, and psychotherapy. Mondimore is especially clear on medication side effects (and how to avoid them), how various treatments have been used and misused, and what a reasonable standard should be. In part three, Mondimore considers how bipolar disorder affects children, adolescents, and women; and how it is affected by alcoholism and drug abuse, seasonal affective disorder and chronobiology, genetics, and other medical conditions such as stroke and hormonal problems. In part four, Mondimore offers real, detailed help for living with the disease. The key is to recognize that bipolar disease is relentless and that the way to keep it at bay is for the patient to be relentless, tooabout getting needed treatment and sticking to it''. Illustrative case studies here make it clear this can be done, but it isn't easy. An absolute gold mine, then, for those with the disorder and their families: thorough, candid, and up-to-date advice, full of new possibilities for help. -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Review
"Exhaustive, scientific, yet compassionate...An absolute gold mine for those with the disorder and their families: thorough, candid, and up-to-date advice, full of new possibilities for help."--'Kirkus Reviews'

An exhaustive, scientific, yet compassionate assist for sufferers of "the chameleon of psychiatric disorders" and their families. Psychiatrist Mondimore (Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill) looks first at the symptoms and diagnosis of bipolar disorder, or manic-depression: the disease wears many masks that can make diagnosis difficult. Mondimore concedes that at present psychiatrists are generally working with the same diagnostic tools that were used in the 19th century: their eyes and ears. He goes on to discuss treatment. Medications are first and foremost - primarily mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. He follows with a thoughtful considerations of electroconvulsive therapy, counseling, and psychotherapy. Mondimore is especially clear on medication side effects (and how to avoid them), how various treatments have been used and misused, and what a reasonable standard should be. In part three, Mondimore considers how bipolar disorder affects children, adolescents, and women; and how it is affected by alcoholism and drug abuse, seasonal affective disorder and chronobiology, genetics, and other medical conditions such as stroke and hormonal problems. In part four, Mondimore offers real, detailed help for living with the disease. The key is to recognize that bipolar disease is relentless and that the way to keep it at bay is for the patient to be relentless, too - "about getting needed treatment and sticking to it". Illustrative case studies here make it clear this can be done, but it isn't easy. An absolute gold mine, then, for those with the disorder and their families: thorough, candid, and up-to-date advice, full of new possibilities for help. (Kirkus Reviews)

Review

"Exhaustive, scientific, yet compassionate... An absolute gold mine for those with the disorder and their families: thorough, candid, and up-to-date advice, full of new possibilities for help." -- Kirkus Reviews

"I highly recommend it for patients and their family members and friends as an enlightened, pragmatic, and empathic resource for this very complex and challenging illness." -- Journal of Clinical Psychiatry

"This is an excellent book for patients with bipolar illness. I recommend the first edition frequently and will do so now with the second. It gives patients and their families enough information without being overwhelming and overly technical. The tone is practical but compassionate toward patients and family members suffering through this difficult illness. Good resource sections provide more extensive reading and online data. I would highly recommend this book." -- Doody's Review Service

"A concise guide to bipolar disorders. Written in a nontechnical jargon, this guide is ideal for patients and their families who wish to gain an understanding of bipolar disorders... Offers advice on how to live with the disorder, and how not to become its victim." -- Large Print Reviews

"An excellent guide to both counseling and drug options." -- Library Bookwatch

"The marvel of this book is its ability to present information in a detailed, understandable manner, while avoiding pitfalls of being overly weighted in professional jargon, or skimpy in specific neurological and behavioral detail." -- Journal of Psychosomatic Research

Customer Reviews

Very Helpful, Great Resource
This book was recommended by our doctor for our family to read as we learn to understand our family member who was recently diagnosed. This is a good resource.

Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families
This book is compassionate, intelligent and immensely helpful. Dr. Mondimore explains differences in various types of bipolar disorders and offers a real sense of hope to patients, family members and friends. Upon reading his book, I feel more confident in working closely with my doctor to find the right treatment plan and in acquiring tools and strategies for battling this disease. It is truly a resource I plan to revisit often.

Bipolar Disorder:A Guide for Patients and Families
One of the best books out there on this topic. Covers all issues and is easy to read for families and even professionals. It has been the most popular book in our Family 2 Family course sponcered by NAMI and is on their list of books that should be read if you or a family member has bipolar illness.