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Adult Bipolar Disorders Understanding Your Diagnosis and Getting Help

By Mitzi Waltz
First Edition March 2002
Pages: 352
ISBN 10: 0-596-50010-6 | ISBN 13: 9780596500108

Book description

Bipolar disorders affect approximately 2 million adults in the US. Left untreated, bipolar disorders plunge a person into absolute hell. Suicide is a possible outcome, as are school failure, limited job prospects, legal difficulties, and hospitalization. The good news is that it is very treatable. Adult Bipolar Disorders helps people secure a diagnosis, manage family life, understand medical interventions, explore therapeutic interventions, and get care within their existing healthcare plan.
Full Description

Bipolar disorders are changes in the brain and nervous system that cause severe mood swings, from the deepest suicidal depression to the most elevated euphoria. Approximately 2 million adults in the US have a bipolar disorder, according to the latest figures from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). Worldwide prevalence hovers around 1 percent. Left untreated, bipolar disorders can plunge a person into absolute hell. Suicide is a possible outcome, as are school failure, limited job prospects, legal difficulties, and hospitalization. Families and communities pay a heavy toll when this disorder is not recognized and treated. Many traditional treatments, investigational medications, and complementary therapies can address symptoms and improve the lives of people with bipolar disorders. In some cases, the results are spectacular. Adult Bipolar Disorders: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Getting Help covers the range of topics that people need to know about in order to help themselves or a loved one:

Describes the range of bipolar disorders
Explains how to get a diagnosis, including descriptions of all diagnostic tests and checklists used by professionals
Dispels myths and misconceptions about this very misunderstood disease
Describes all medications, therapy, and other interventions, such as improving sleep patterns, preventing seasonal mood swings, diet, and supplements
Explores family life with bipolar disorders
Suggests ways to cope with diagnosis and treatment, including advice on support systems, insurance, and employment
Lists extensive resources

Author Mitzi Waltz, an advocate for adults and children with neurological disorders, has included the stories of dozens of people with bipolar disorders.

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Media reviews "I recommend the book, without reservation, not only to bipolar patients, but also to their families, their friends, their caretakers, and to the clinicians who prescribe medicine and other treatment modalities for them. Bipolar patients will find invaluable suggestions in this book about how to cope with their condition, how to obtain treatment and how to pay for it."
--Metapsychology, Mental Health Net, www.mentalhelp.net

"This book describes the range of bipolar disorders, considers their impact on family life, and offers advice on treatment, support, insurance, and employment. It also explains diagnoses, describes diagnostic tests, and provides details on therapy, medication, and other interventions. Extensive resources are listed, including advocacy and support groups. Waltz is affiliated with the University of Sunderland's Autism Research Unit."
--Book News

"The book is of great reference value, yet speaks in a patient-friendly tone. It explains what the disease is, how it is diagnosed, and what therapies and interventions are most effective in treating it. Readers will find complete information about prescription and over-the-counter medications, including benefits and side effects. Waltz gives herbs, vitamins, and alternative therapies the same thorough treatment." - 4 Stars, ForeWordReviews.com

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