Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5883 in Books
• Published on: 2005-12-21
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 252 pages

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 hitchhiker’s guide. Thank heaven we don’t 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 Rush’s 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

"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

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.

Customer Reviews

excellent book
The bipolar workbook has helped me cope with having bipolar disorder. I highly recommend anyone to read it. Anyone who knows someone that has bipolar..this book is the way to go. Im soo much better without meds.

A Must Have
Whether you are suffering from Bipolar disorder or knows someone who does, this book is a must have.

not for Bipolar II
In my opinion, this book doesn't apply for people with bipolar II at all. I found it somewhat insulting. Too me it came across like 'never second guess your Dr, he knows better than you', or 'oh yes, Mom, you are right, I didn't take my meds yesterday, sorry for being irritable, and thanks for taking such good care of me'.

For most people with Bipolar II one of the main problems is not to have a reference point, or the inability to 'take up your spot in the universe', as my yoga teacher puts it. In my case, I often suffer from good old plain overstimulation (too many people, too much commotion, too loud, too bright, unpleasant smells, low pain tolerance, food that is too spicy). The 21st century is all about overstimulation. I was hoping for insights on how to set boundaries without braking bridges, on how to embrace bipolar as a challenge to grow other than just look at it as a nuisance. You won't find any help with that in this book.

A big disappointment!