Bipolar Disorder for Dummies

When one receives the diagnosis that they or a loved one has bipolar disorder, it can be a time of fear and worry. Bipolar Disorder For Dummies, 3^rd Edition explains the brain chemistry behind the disease and covers the latest medications and therapies. You'll get reassuring, sound advice and self-help techniques that you and your loved ones, including kids and teens, can use to ease and eliminate symptoms, function in times of crisis, plan ahead for manic or depressive episodes, and feel a whole lot better.  This new edition will include new and updated content on genetics, biochemistry, and imaging studies relevant to bipolar, expanded coverage on how to handle the high costs of treatment, and supporting a loved one (who may not want help, medications and treatment options, including DSM-5, ECT, and TMS along with new coverage on special populations (how bipolar affects different groups, like women and various ethnic groups and special populations, like seniors and expectant moms.

Bipolar disorder, which has also been called manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual mood swings and shifting energy levels. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can, if not understood and handled properly, wreak havoc on personal and professional relationships. Though bipolar disorder is a serious condition, it's one that can be treated! With a firm understanding of what you're dealing with, you can navigate your way through the challenges of bipolar disorder, whether you or a loved one suffers from this illness.

• Recognize the warning signs of mania and depression, which may point to bipolar disorder
• Understand where to find the latest treatment options
• Stay on track with personal and professional aspects of life
• Effectively and compassionately respond to rants, depression, mania, and other behaviors associated with bipolar disorder

Bipolar Disorder For Dummies, 3^rd Edition offers straightforward, reassuring information about bipolar disorder to help you or your loved one conquer the disease.

Candida Fink, MD is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages—and their loved ones—to manage bipolar disorder. Joe Kraynak is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started on Your Bipolar Journey 5

Chapter 1: Grasping Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and Diagnosis 7

Chapter 2: Finding the Cause: The Brain and Body Science of Bipolar Disorder 29

Chapter 3: Reining in Bipolar Disorder: Prognosis and Treatments 47

Part II: Obtaining a Diagnosis and Building a Treatment Plan and Team 61

Chapter 4: Diagnosis Step 1: Ruling Out Other Health Issues 63

Chapter 5: Diagnosis Step 2: Obtaining a Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment Plan 75

Chapter 6: Building a Winning Mood-Management Team 93

Part III: Managing the Biology of Bipolar Disorder 107

Chapter 7: Leveling Moods with Medication 109

Chapter 8: Coming to Terms with Medications and Their Side Effects 141

Chapter 9: Expanding Your Biological Treatment Options 159

Chapter 10: Treating Bipolar Disorder in Women and Other Specific Populations 171

Part IV: Developing Essential Survival Skills 185

Chapter 11: Exploring Self-Help Strategies, Therapies, and Other Supports 187

Chapter 12: Making Lifestyle Adjustments 201

Chapter 13: Communicating Effectively 221

Chapter 14: Solving Problems and Resolving Conflict 233

Chapter 15: Planning Ahead for a Mood Episode 243

Part V: Dealing with the Fallout 253

Chapter 16: From Hospitalization to Recovery 255

Chapter 17: Returning to Work . . . or Not 269

Chapter 18: Overcoming Financial Setbacks 281

Part VI: Assisting a Friend or Relative with Bipolar Disorder 295

Chapter 19: Supporting Your Loved One 297

Chapter 20: Dealing with Crisis Situations 311

Chapter 21: Backing Your Bipolar Child or Teen 327

Part VII: The Part of Tens 353

Chapter 22: Ten Tips for Managing Bipolar 355

Chapter 23: Ten Ways to Help a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder 361

Index 367

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.