Bipolar Handbook: Real-Life Questions with up-to-Date Answers » (1ST)

West Burgess, M.D., Ph.D., is a practicing Los Angeles psychiatrist specializing in bipolar disorder. A featured commentator on NPR and network television and a former member of the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute, he has lectured worldwide.

An internationally respected psychiatrist offers the most practical, up-to-date resource available on bipolar disorder.

For Dr. Wes Burgess, the diagnosis of bipolar disorder means hope-hope for the estimated ten million people who will develop the disorder during their lifetimes, and hope for the families and friends of people who suffer from it. Drawing upon the real questions asked by patients and families during his nearly twenty years as a bipolar specialist, The Bipolar Handbook comprehensively tackles every area of the disorder, from its causes to medical treatment and psychotherapy, to strategies for creating a healthy lifestyle, to the prevention of, coping with, and treatment of bipolar episodes. From the more than five hundred questions and answers, you'll learn:

- what to expect when pursuing a diagnosis
- how to choose the right doctor or specialist
- how to get the disorder under control
- what treatments and medication protocols are best for you
- how to reduce stress to prevent manic and depressive episodes
- what family members and friends can do to support you, and more

Dr. Burgess also addresses unique lifestyle concerns facing bipolar individuals. Special chapters on practical strategies for career success, building healthy relationships, issues that specifically affect bipolar women, and coping techniques for families and friends further explore the impact of the disorder on daily life.

The Bipolar Handbook's easy-to-access format and full chapter of resources, as well as diagnostic criteria from the American Psychiatric Association and the National Institute for Mental Health, make this a versatile guide-perfect for quick reference and in-depth discovery.

Library Journal

Over seven million Americans have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which impacts the emotional, mental, and physical health of sufferers and their family and friends. In this welcome addition to the existing resource material, Burgess, a noted bipolar authority with a practice in Los Angeles, writes in a style reminiscent of having a chat with one's family doctor. His text provides a wealth of current information pertaining to the disorder, from causes and selecting a doctor to treatment and prevention. Both medical treatments and psychotherapy are covered, as are social issues like careers, healthy relationships, and coping tactics for friends and family. The last chapter explores available resources, and well thought-out appendixes complete the book. Both comprehensive and easily understood, this resource is an essential part of every public library collection; it will most certainly become one of the most sought-after publications on bipolar disorder.-Melody Ballard, Washoe Cty. Lib. Syst., Reno, NV Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.