Break the Bipolar Cycle: A Day to Day Guide to Living with Bipolar Disorder »

Elizabeth Brondolo, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist specializing in bipolar disorders. She has been practicing in New York City for more than fifteen years. She is a nationally known researcher in stress and health and a professor at St. John's University.

Xavier Amador, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist who was on the faculty at Columbia University Medical School for fifteen years. He is a nationally known researcher on bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, the author of I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help, and past

director of research at the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Take control of your symptoms—and take charge of your life

If you're dealing with bipolar disorder, you already know that it’s more than a cycle of “ups” and “downs.” You may also have difficulty with depression and irritability, as well as problems with weight gain, memory, and fatigue. Dealing with these day-to-day problems can sometimes seem like too much to bear. Drawing on the latest research in bipolar disorder, stress, and health, this step-by-step guide offers a complete selection of livable, workable solutions to manage bipolar disorder and helps you:

• Identify your symptoms
• Explore your treatment options
• Stabilize your moods
• Sharpen your mind
• Achieve your goals

This isn't a one-size-fits-all guide. It's a uniquely personal approach to your bipolar disorder that covers the full spectrum of the disease and its symptoms. You'll be able to find successful ways to regulate your moods, relieve your stress, improve your thought processes, and break the bipolar cycle—for a happier, healthier life.

Elizabeth Brondolo, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist specializing in bipolar disorders. She has been practicing in New York City for more than fifteen years. She is a nationally known researcher in stress and health and a professor at St. John's University.

Xavier Amador, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist who was on the faculty at Columbia University Medical School for fifteen years. He is a nationally known researcher on bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, the author of I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help, and past

director of research at the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Nicholas Greco IV, MS, BCETS, CATSM(Abbott Laboratories)
Description:This is a powerful, inspiring, and self-motivating book for patients with bipolar spectrum disorders and their family and friends. This is a true guide for how to live with bipolar disorder on a day-to-day basis.
Purpose:The book is designed to give readers the knowledge and expertise to recognize their own symptoms and stressors, to take control of their psychological and pharmacological treatments. Notably, this knowledge allows them to arm themselves with awareness for early intervention, thus promoting less cycling and overall well-being. The empowerment and strength of patients and their families cannot be overstated, and this book succeeds in providing the necessary tools and information for just that purpose.
Audience:Patients, family, friends, and the mental health community will be well served by this book. Interestingly, it could serve as a novel way to illustrate to psychiatry residents and graduate students the complicated nature of the disorder as well as promoting an empathic treatment stance.
Features:The book built on an empathic and realistic stance to enable patients and loved ones to recognize and understand the disorder. There are a number of great chapters covering important topics such as medication compliance, breakthrough symptoms, stress, mood, and relapse. These topics are described in detail in a non-judgmental, open way. The book stresses patient involvement and promotes patients truly being a part of the treatment team.
Assessment:This is stand-out book for patient awareness and empowerment. It should be required reading for patients and their families.