Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families
- ISBN13: 9780801883149
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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.
Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families
5 Responses to “Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families”
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April 6th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
As a registered nurse and mother of an adult son newly diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I feel fortunate to have found this book quickly. The information is comprehensive and well organized. The book contains appropriately detailed sections dealing with symptoms/syndromes/diagnosis, treatment, variations/causes/connections, and living with the disorder or with one who has the disorder. As a professional, I found the content sufficiently technical while still appropriate for someone with no medical background. Dr. Mondimore has also provided many other resources including suggested reading, support and advocacy organizations and appropriate Internet sites. The chapter notes will lead you to even more information from periodicals, textbooks and other publications. An index is also included for quick reference within the book.
The chapters on preparation for emergencies and on the role of the family has been especially helpful to my daughter-in-law and me. Unfortunately, my son made a serious suicide attempt several weeks ago. Thankfully, he was not successful and has been in intensive therapy since that time. He is improving with medication adjustment and daily therapy. The whole family is learning about bipolar disorder, previously unrecognized signs and symptoms, and the link to alcohol abuse, unipolar depression and AD(H)D that is present in other family members. As we learn to deal with the diagnosis and it’s impact on my son, his wife and children and the rest of us, I plan to buy more copies of this book to share with the family. I have always believed that knowledge is power and this book has assisted me in my quest to learn about bipolar disorder. Thank you Dr. Mondimore!
Rating: 5 / 5
April 6th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder two years ago. I wish that I would have had this book then instead of relying only on the internet for information. I had the mistaken impression that once my medication was ‘balanced out’, my life would become ‘normal’. Thanks to this book, I now understand what I am up against and that this rollercoaster ride may never stop. It is written so that anyone can understand it. It is very thorough and written with compassion. For anyone diagnosed with bipolar disorder and their family and friends, this is an excellent resource to start with. I highly recommend it. It may even save your life.
Rating: 5 / 5
April 6th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
As a person with bipolar disorder, I was looking for a book that I could give to members of my family so they could understand the illness and (its many variations) better. I also didn’t want to scare them even though this is a scary illness. I found this book to be clearly written for people who do not have a medical background. It spelled issues out in an easy and understandable format with excellent examples and explanations. I have read many books on this illness looking for something to give my family, this is the book I will be giving them. I would recommend this book if you, a family member or friends suffers from this illness
Rating: 4 / 5
April 7th, 2010 at 12:14 am
Dr. Mondimore has provided a practical, easy-to-read guide for understanding and coping with bipolar disorder. Through the use of case studies, the suthor outlines the types of bipolar disorder, and what symptoms are related to each one. He describes the treatments and lifestyle habits that will help prevent relapse, allowing a person with bipolar disorder to lead a normal life. For the technically oriented reader, Dr. Mondimore also discusses the biological basis of moods, and what is biologically known about the disorder. This is by far the most comprehensive and helpful book I have read on the subject. Dr. Mondimore’s writing style is conversational and familiar, and as a result, the information may be readily accepted and applied in the treatment of bipolar disorder by patients and family members alike.
Rating: 5 / 5
April 7th, 2010 at 3:04 am
This really was a very informative, practical, easy flowing guide for understanding and coping with Bipolar. Dr. Mondimore describes the lifestyle habits and treatments that will help you prevent relapse, allowing anybody with bipolar disorder to lead a happy, normal life. This was excellent for any family member with somebody who does have this disorder. It really is explained to why they do what it is we do. He covers Moods, medications, alcoholism and drug abuse. Treatment, where to go for help. Getting better and staying well. Also the role the family has and this really was by far the most comprehensive book I have read yet on this matter.
Rating: 5 / 5