Publisher Description

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong challenge--but it doesn't have to rule your life. Find the science-based information you need in the revised third edition of this indispensable guide. Trusted authority Dr. David J. Miklowitz shares proven strategies for managing your illness or supporting a loved one with the disorder. Learn specific steps to cope with mood episodes, reduce recurrences, avoid misdiagnosis, get the most out of treatment, resolve family conflicts, and make lifestyle changes to stay well. Updated throughout, the third edition has a new chapter on kids and teens; the latest facts on medications and therapy, including important advances in personalized care; and expanded coverage of the bipolar II subtype. It features boxes on complementary and alternative treatments and provides downloadable practical tools.

Author Biography

David J. Miklowitz, PhD, is Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, and Visiting Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. He is author of The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide and Living Well with Bipolar Disorder, for general readers, and several award-winning books for professionals, including Bipolar Disorder: A Family-Focused Treatment Approach. Dr. Miklowitz has published over 300 scientific articles and 70 book chapters. He has won Distinguished Investigator awards from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, the International Society for Bipolar Disorders, and the Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology. Dr. Miklowitz is one of the few psychologists to have received the Award for Research in Mood Disorders from the American College of Psychiatrists.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Where Are We Now?
I. The Experience and Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder
1. How This Book Can Help You Survive--and Thrive
2. Understanding the Experience of Bipolar Disorder
3. Into the Doctor's Court: Getting an Accurate Diagnosis
4. "Is It an Illness or Is It Me?": Coping with the Diagnosis
II. Laying the Foundation for Effective Treatment
5. Where Bipolar Disorder Comes From: Genetics, Biology, and Stress
6. What Medications and Psychotherapy Can Do for You
7. Coming to Terms with Your Medications
III. Practical Strategies for Staying Well
8. Tips to Help You Manage Moods
9. Heading Off the Escalation of Mania
10. Halting the Spiral of Depression
11. Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings
12. For Women Only: What You Need to Know about Bipolar Disorder and Your Health
13. Succeeding at Home and at Work: Communication, Problem-Solving Skills, and Dealing Effectively with Stigma
14. "Does My Child Have Bipolar Disorder?": How Would You Know and What Should You Do?
Resources for People with Bipolar Disorder

Review

"This book is a true gift. As parents, watching our daughter's illness unfold was terrifying and heartbreaking. I only wish that Dr. Miklowitz's book had been available then to help guide us on this rollercoaster of a journey. It not only gives sufferers and their family members a better understanding of bipolar disorder, but also shows how to achieve stable moods and lead a full life."--Vicky G., Santa Monica, California"A practical, straightforward book that will be a great help to those who have bipolar illness, as well as their families. I could not recommend this book more highly."--Kay Redfield Jamison, PhD, author of An Unquiet Mind and Robert Lowell, Setting the River on Fire"I used to spend way too much time searching the Internet for tips on managing my bipolar disorder. Now, whenever I need ideas about how to feel better, I just pick up The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide. It is an incredible resource that gives me tons of new and effective coping strategies to try. Reading it, you'll feel like an expert is taking the time to really talk to you--it's clear that Dr. Miklowitz cares."--Christine S., Houston, Texas"Dr. Miklowitz is an experienced therapist and skilled researcher whose decades of work with people with bipolar disorder shine through in this easy-to-follow book. If you or a loved one have bipolar disorder, I highly recommend this updated third edition."--Mary A. Fristad, PhD, ABPP, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center"The author's expertise, compassion, and experience are evident throughout....Well worth reading and remembering." (on the first edition)--NAMI Advocate"Recommended for patient education libraries and medium and large public libraries." (on the first edition)--Library Journal

Long Description

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong challenge--but it doesn't have to rule your life. Find the science-based information you need in the revised third edition of this indispensable guide. Trusted authority Dr. David J. Miklowitz shares proven strategies for managing your illness or supporting a loved one with the disorder. Learn specific steps to cope with mood episodes, reduce recurrences, avoid misdiagnosis, get the most out of treatment, resolve family conflicts, and make lifestyle changes to stay well. Updated throughout, the third edition has a new chapter on kids and teens; the latest facts on medications and therapy, including important advances in personalized care; and expanded coverage of the bipolar II subtype. It features boxes on complementary and alternative treatments and provides downloadable practical tools.

Review Quote

"This book is a true gift. As parents, watching our daughter's illness unfold was terrifying and heartbreaking. I only wish that Dr. Miklowitz's book had been available then to help guide us on this rollercoaster of a journey. It not only gives sufferers and their family members a better understanding of bipolar disorder, but also shows how to achieve stable moods and lead a full life."--Vicky G., Santa Monica, California "A practical, straightforward book that will be a great help to those who have bipolar illness, as well as their families. I could not recommend this book more highly."--Kay Redfield Jamison, PhD, author of An Unquiet Mind and Robert Lowell, Setting the River on Fire "I used to spend way too much time searching the Internet for tips on managing my bipolar disorder. Now, whenever I need ideas about how to feel better, I just pick up The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide. It is an incredible resource that gives me tons of new and effective coping strategies to try. Reading it, you'll feel like an expert is taking the time to really talk to you--it's clear that Dr. Miklowitz cares."--Christine S., Houston, Texas "Dr. Miklowitz is an experienced therapist and skilled researcher whose decades of work with people with bipolar disorder shine through in this easy-to-follow book. If you or a loved one have bipolar disorder, I highly recommend this updated third edition."--Mary A. Fristad, PhD, ABPP, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Details