Clearly-written, valuable resource for bipolar relationships

books:


	• The Bipolar Handbook: Real-Life Questions with Up-to-Date Answers Wes Burgess Avery/Penguin, 2006 - 256 pages average customer review:based on 21 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

A wealth of knowledge

This is probably my favorite book on living with bipolar disorder. He goes into practically every facet of living with it and how to recognize symptoms of a coming episode. The section on medications was particularly helpful- it brings up issues such as weight gain, side effects, pregnancy and other issues. This helped me clarify things that I needed to speak to my doctor about. The sections on working and relationships provided good insight as well. This more of a Q and A book and it is very well written. It's nice to have a more up to date book out there.

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Excellent resource

The Bipolar Handbook is set up in a question and answer format in an attempt to address real concerns of real people. This is a special resource for anyone who knows or suspects s/he knows someone with bipolar disorder.

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A Friendly Chat about Bipolar Disorder

For twenty years, Dr. Wes Burgess has been writing down all the questions asked by his bipolar patients. In this book he thoughtfully answers each question, providing a safe friendly environment for the reader.

What I appreciated most about this book was all the information I had never read in other books on bipolar disorder. I had no idea that left untreated, this disorder can grow worse as you age. This is enough of a reason to convince anyone to keep taking their medication. Stopping medications seems to be an issue that the author addresses numerous times because uncontrolled manic episodes can make the disease worse. It was interesting to realize that it is high levels of adrenaline that cause manic symptoms.

Suicide is also dealt with in this book. Thirty percent of individuals with bipolar disorder will attempt to kill themselves. Some of the other symptoms include: insomnia, intrusive thoughts, rapid speech, memory problems, obsessions, hypersomnia (sleeping during the day), spending sprees, hypersexuality, anxious depression, fatigue, anxiety, social isolation, fear, panic, paranoia and auditory hallucinations.

Left untreated or treated with the wrong medications this disease gets worse over time. The author talks about medications he prescribes and gives detailed information about each one. He mentions Geodon and Ativan as well as numerous other medications that work for bipolar disorder.

You may also want to read: New Hope For People With Bipolar Disorder Revised 2nd Edition: Your Friendly, Authoritative Guide to the Latest in Traditional and Complementary Solutions

~The Rebecca Review

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Clearly-written, valuable resource for bipolar relationships

This authoritative, easy-to-read book will provide a wealth of insight if you have a loved one who suffers from bipolar disorder. Dr Burgess clearly describes things that no one else does, such as the process of unwanted thoughts intruding upon a bipolar's mind. This can help you understand not only how a bipolar acts but why, which is the beginning of understanding and better relationships. This book is not flawless: Dr Burgess speaks against the use of antidepressants in treatment of bipolar, whereas I have personally witnessed them literally saving a life when used with a mood stabilizer. In this case I respect his opinion, but also respect the opinion of doctors who use antidepressants; I suspect both approaches are right in different situations, and the important thing is finding a top-notch psychiatrist who can provide effective, individualized treatment. I do therefore highly recommend this book -- it is very insightful and could greatly help with interpersonal relationships with a bipolar loved one, which is the great strength of this book.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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.

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