A Review of Bipolar Disorder for Dummies

If you or a loved one have bipolar disorder, you should seriously consider picking up a copy of Bipolar Disorder for Dummies by Candida Fink and Joe Kraynak. This book contains 360 pages of valuable information about bipolar disorder and is part of the extremely successful Dummies family of how-to and informational books. You'll find this book is organized in various parts which deal with different aspects of living with bipolar disorder.

In the Introduction, you'll learn more about how the book is structured and the best way to use it. Part I is called Boning Up on Bipolar Disorder and it is a comprehensive guide to the disorder even on its own. In Chapter 1, you'll learn how to come to terms with your illness, get through the ups and downs, find effective medication, support a relative or friend that is bipolar, plan ahead for episodes or relapses, and even how to deal with bipolar disorder in children. Then in Chapter 2, you'll learn about the different types of bipolar disorder, causes and risk factors, symptoms of mania and depression, and how to recognize and avoid triggers. In Chapter 3, you'll discover how to track and manage your illness more effectively.

Part II is called Taming the Bipolar Beast. In Chapter 4, possible medical causes of bipolar disorder are examined. You will also learn to establish what could be making your symptoms better or worse. Chapter 5 examines the psychiatric evaluation necessary for diagnosing bipolar and various treatment options that may be decided after such an evaluation. You'll learn how to prepare and what to do after a diagnosis has been reached. In Chapter 6, you'll be taught to develop a supportive mood-management team to help you cope with your illness.

Then in Part III, the focus is all about treatment. Chapter 7 explores the various types of prescription medications that may be used to treat bipolar disorder. In Chapters 8 and 9, psychotherapy and alternative medicine is discussed. Part IV is all about helping yourself manage your illness. In Chapters 10 through 15, you'll learn ways to soothe your moods and cope with the various ups and downs of your illness.

Part V explores how you can help a friend or relative suffering from bipolar disorder. Chapter 16 shows you how to support your loved one, while Chapter 17 talks about planning for a crisis. Chapter 18 is all about supporting your bipolar child. Finally in Part VI, you'll find handy resources grouped in tens. Examples include Ten Questions to Ask a Psychiatrist or Therapist and Ten Ways to Help the Bipolar Community.

Bipolar Disorder for Dummies is a vast resource of information that is ideal for not only sufferers of bipolar disorder but also their family and friends. You'll be hard pressed to find such a comprehensive volume of information anywhere else. This book is informative and quite easy to read despite its complex subject matter.

Copyright 2007 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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