Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families (2nd Edition)

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.

Customer Reviews:

A great resource for patient and family

By A Customer - February 23, 2000

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... read more

For anyone diagnosed with bipolar disorder, family, friends

By Karen Hill "Earth, book, & music lover" - January 15, 2000

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.

Very helpful for patients and family

By "psgg" - December 22, 1999

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