Bipolar Disorder For Dummies - Softcover

Fink, Candida; Kraynak, Joe

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1118338820 ISBN 13: 9781118338827

Publisher: For Dummies, 2012

Synopsis

Get an accurate diagnosis and get on with enjoying and living your life!

Bipolar Disorder affects many more people than just the millions who suffer from the disease. Like depression and other serious illnesses, bipolar disorder also affects spouses, partners, family members, friends, and coworkers.

Bipolar Disorder For Dummies explains the brain chemistry behind the disease and covers the latest medications and therapies. You'll get reassuring, sound advice and self-help techniques that you and your loved ones, including kids and teens, can use to ease and eliminate symptoms, function in times of crisis, plan ahead for manic or depressive episodes, and feel a whole lot better.

• Covers new diagnosis methods developed by the American Psychiatric Association
• Increased coverage of genetics, biochemistry, and imaging studies relevant to bipolar disorder
• Advice on supporting a loved one (who may not want help)
• Updated and expanded medication guide and treatment options, including Deep Brain Stimulation

Complete with fill-in-the-blank forms and charts, key online resources, and first-hand accounts from real people, Bipolar Disorder For Dummies gives you the latest information and self-help strategies you and your loved ones need to conquer this disease and get on with your lives.

About this title

From the Author:

In developing the this second edition of Bipolar Disorder For Dummies, we tried to focus chapters on specific issues that people with bipolar disorder and their loved ones often have to deal with, such as dealing with the nasty side effects of some medications, and specific skill sets that anyone who is living with bipolar disorder can benefit from. Topics we cover in the second edition include the following:

• Extensive coverage of the many medications used to treat bipolar disorder and associated conditions, including anxiety and insomnia
• Coming to terms with the whole idea of taking medications and dealing with negative side effects
• Treating bipolar disorder in women, older adults, and other specific populations
• Making lifestyle adjustments to help reduce stressors that may trigger mood episodes
• Communicating effectively, to help those with bipolar and their loved ones engage in more constructive dialogue
• Solving problems and resolving conflict
• Dealing with a hospitalization, including what to expect, your patient rights, how to make your stay more comfortable, and how to transition more effectively from hospitalization to recovery
• Returning to work (or deciding not to), including a discussion of reasonable workplace accommodations to ask for under the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Overcoming financial setbacks -- a resource guide for accessing federal, state, and local programs and other assistance
• What to do in crisis situations, including what to do if your loved one with bipolar disorder is arrested and suggestions for avoiding the pitfalls of overspending
• Bipolar Bios from authors who are living with bipolar disorder, including Andy Behrman (a.k.a. Electroboy), Natalie Jeanne Champagne, Linea and Cinda Johnson, Janine Crowley Haynes, Stacy Pershall, Wendy Williamson, Helena Smole, Chato Stewart, and Joe's wife, Cecie. Matt Durand, one of Dr. Fink's patients, also contributed his Bipolar Bio

We invested a great deal of effort and expertise in improving and expanding this second edition. We think you'll find it a valuable guide to helping yourself or a loved one successfully manage this complex illness and the fallout that often accompanies it.

About the Author:

Candida Fink, MD (New Rochelle, New York) is a Board Certified Adult, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatrist in private practice in the New York area. Dr. Fink graduated from Boston University Medical School and did her postgraduate training through Harvard Medical School. She's currently an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Westchester Medical College. She has worked extensively with children and adults with complicated psychiatric illnesses. Mood disorders, especially the diagnostic and treatment questions surrounding bipolar disorder, comprise much of her practice. She also works extensively with schools and other institutions regarding developmental and psychiatric issues. Dr. Fink grew up with mood disorders in her family, so she has seen them from every angle and knows the importance of mobilizing the family as a part of any successful treatment. She has previously coauthored, with Judith Lederman, The Ups and Downs of Raising a Bipolar Child: A Survival Guide for Parents (Fireside). She frequently consults and speaks on bipolar disorder in children.

Joe Kraynak, MA (Crawfordsville, Indiana) is a freelance author who has written and co-authored dozens of books on topics ranging from slam poetry to personal computers. Joe received his degree in bipolar disorder from the College of Hard Knocks. On December 10, 1999, Joe's wife, Cecie, a Spanish teacher at the time, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Since that day, they have bounced around to a half dozen doctors and even more therapists, broke in a few young marriage counselors, survived several changes in health insurance coverage, attended dozens of support group meetings, and endured the career changes and financial hardships that commonly accompany bipolar disorder. In this book, Joe offers his experience and insight from life in the trenches.

About this edition

• Publisher: For Dummies
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1118338820
• ISBN 13: 9781118338827
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 384