Bipolar Disorder For Dummies »

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 (Speedway, 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, andendured 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.

Bipolar Disorder affects many more people than just the 2.5 million Americans who suffer from the disease. Like depression and other serious illnesses, bipolar disorder also affects spouses, partners, family members, friends and coworkers. And, according to the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation, 15% of children diagnosed with ADHD may actually be suffering from early-onset of Bipolar Disorder.

Bipolar Disorder For Dummies reveals some of the causes and consequences of bipolar disorder, let you in on some crisis survival strategies, and describe ways that friends and family members can support loved ones who have the disease. The book includes an overview of the causes and symptoms of bipolar disorder, explains step-by-step how to obtain an accurate diagnosis, discusses the medications available, and tells what you can and can't do to help someone with the disease. You'll learn:

• The different categories and potential causes of bipolar disorder
• How to select the right mental health specialist
• Managing employment-related issues brought on because of the disorder
• How bipolar disorder affects children
• Advocating for yourself or a loved one
• Planning ahead for manic and depressive episodes
• Selecting the best medications for you—including alternative "natural" treatments
• How to survive an immediate crisis situation
• Identifying triggers and mapping your moods

Complete with fill-in-the-blanks forms and charts, key web site and email addresses, and first-hand accounts from real people, Bipolar Disorder For Dummies gives you the latest information and self-help strategies you and your loved onesneed to help everyone affected feel a whole lot better.

Introduction.

Part I: Boning Up on Bipolar Disorder.

Chapter 1: Living La Vida Bipolar.

Chapter 2: Demystifying Bipolar Disorder.

Chapter 3: A Positive Prognosis with a Proactive Plan.

Part II: Taming the Bipolar Beast.

Chapter 4: Let’s Get Physical: Ruling Out Other Health Issues.

Chapter 5: Getting a Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment Plan.

Chapter 6: Building a Winning Mood-Management Team.

Part III: Opening the Treatment Toolbox: A Comprehensive, Integrated Approach.

Chapter 7: Touring the Bipolar Pharmacy.

Chapter 8: Retooling Your Mind through Therapy.

Chapter 9: Expanding Your Treatment Options.

Part IV: Helping Yourself.

Chapter 10: Surviving Your Current Crisis.

Chapter 11: Healing at Your Own Pace.

Chapter 12: Identifying Your Triggers and Mapping Your Moods.

Chapter 13: Restructuring Your Life.

Chapter 14: Working Out and Eating Right.

Chapter 15: Battling the Urge to Fly Solo.

Part V: Assisting a Friend or Relative with Bipolar Disorder.

Chapter 16: Supporting Your Loved One.

Chapter 17: Planning Ahead for a Possible Crisis.

Chapter 18: Backing Your Bipolar Child.

Part VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 19: Ten Questions to Ask a Psychiatrist or Therapist.

Chapter 20: Ten Ways to Fight the High Cost of Treatment.

Chapter 21: Ten Ways to Help the Bipolar Community.

Appendix: A Glossary of Bipolar-Related Terms.

Index.