Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families » (second edition)

Francis Mark Mondimore, M.D., is a psychiatrist and member of the clinical faculty of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His books include Depression, the Mood Disease and Adolescent Depression: A Guide for Parents, both available from Johns Hopkins.

"An excellent guide to a painful and difficult yet treatable illness. Dr. Mondimore's outstanding abilities as clinician and teacher are put to good use in this indispensable book." -- Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D., author of An Unquiet Mind

Emily K. Tedesco

This book is a comprehensive and practical guide to this devastating psychiatric illness. The author incorporates an easy to understand format that includes the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for those affected with bipolar disorder. The purpose is to help educate and inform. The author does a great job in fully explaining the advantages and disadvantages of treating this illness. The most important component is the effective way he combines all the current facts and data into a practical and useful guide. The book is targeted toward patients with bipolar disorder and their families. It would also be useful for students and mental health professionals who work with this special population. The author is credible and quotes respected professionals in the field. This book includes modern treatment options, tips for getting and staying well, a full explanation of the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, and how the illness affects special populations. The author includes a section on coping with medication side effects. The most important feature is the full section of up-to-date resources, including support groups, informational Internet sites, and suggested readings. This book is an invaluable tool for patients and families living with bipolar disorder. The author incorporates real life stories, expert advice, symptoms and diagnosis, modern treatment options, and resources to help make living with this disorder tolerable. Most importantly, the concepts and information presented in this book are practical.