Bipolar Workbook: Tools for Controlling Your Mood Swings »

Monica Ramirez Basco, PhD, is an internationally recognized expert in cognitive-behavioral therapy, a clinical psychologist in private practice, and a founding fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. She is on the Psychology faculty at the University of Texas at Arlington, with a secondary appointment in Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Her books include bestsellers Never Good Enough and The Bipolar Workbook.

Mood swings may be a part of your life, but the struggle to control them doesn’t have to dominate it. Together with the right course of medication, The Bipolar Workbook can put you back in control. Dr. Monica Ramirez Basco has assembled a versatile toolkit of proven self-help strategies designed to help you recognize the early warning signs of relapse, resist the seductive pull of manic episodes, and escape the paralysis of depression. Whether you’re new to the diagnosis (and not quite sure it fits) or want to enhance your current treatment, this simple program puts you in charge. Easy-to-follow guidelines and worksheets help you identify problem areas and minimize their impact, including ways to:

*Reduce the recurrence and severity of your symptoms.

*Slow things down and get the sleep you need when mania strikes.

*Keep motivated and avoid procrastination when you’re depressed.

*Fine-tune medical treatments to maximize your gains.

*Rein in emotional reactions.

*Stay focused and achieve your goals.

Since every individual’s experience with bipolar disorder is unique, Dr. Basco encourages you to customize a plan that suits your needs. So take charge and make a better life.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Nicholas Greco IV, MS, BCETS, CATSM(Abbott Laboratories)
Description:This workbook successfully guides patients through the course of their illness at an easy-to-understand level and is specific to various stages of the illness. It will help patients gain awareness, understanding, knowledge, and ownership of their illness.
Purpose:This book is designed to help guide the reader through the early warning signs of relapse, how to resist the urge of a manic episode, and manage the depression that unfortunately occurs. This book gives readers power -- power to take control of their illness through proven step-by-step self-help techniques. It is quite clear that two themes emerge. The first is that this workbook provides a trusted resource to turn to, and second, it is a means of promoting an increased therapeutic relationship with one's treating clinician.
Audience:Every patient who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder will find this to be a most beneficial resource. Notably, clinicians will enjoy sharing the exercises and tools with their patients as well. The author is one of the most well regarded members of the mental health field.
Features:The book is well structured into four sections that cover awareness of the illness, taking precautions to prevent relapse, reducing and controlling symptoms, and making changes to enhance progress. It does not take away the responsibility and ownership that the patient has for their illness. It promotes stability, medication compliance, management of emotions, and a proactive stance for one to retain recovery.
Assessment:This is, undoubtedly, one of the best workbooks on bipolar disorder in a long time. It is thorough, realistic, and should be given to all bipolar patients as part of their treatment plan. Highly recommended!!

Test Your Knowledge of Bipolar Disorder
1. Taking Control of Your Illness See It Coming
2. Facts about Bipolar Disorder
3. Charting Your Personal History
4. Developing an Early Warning System Take Precautions
5. Making Yourself Less Vulnerable
6. Getting the Most out of Medication
7. Overcoming the Big "D"
Reduce Your Symptoms
8. Recognizing and Catching Your Thinking Errors
9. Controlling Emotional Thoughts
10. Reversing Mental Meltdown Check Your Progress
11. Working the Program Resources