Bipolar And Pregnant

The first book to tackle one of the leading concerns of women with manic depression and related disorders You have bipolar disorder and want to start a family. There is so much to know and manage when thinking about becoming pregnant and having an optimal pregnancy and postpartum period. What are the risks? Can I go off my meds? How will my partner react? Will my child also become bipolar? How do I navigate through the often confusing and ever-changing research on mental disorders and pregnancy? Kristin K. Finn was diagnosed with manic depression as a teenager. Upon deciding to become pregnant, she and her husband also had questions, concerns, and fears. Recognizing that there was no go-to guide that helps women with manic depression navigate pre-natal, pregnancy, and postpartum issues, Finn collaborated with geneticists, obstetricians, psychologists, and psychiatrists to bring you this ultimate support-group-in-a-book and pregnancy resource. In Bipolar and Pregnant, Finn shares her insights and techniques that she developed through two pregnancies, as well as the advice of her esteemed team of experts. In addition, Bipolar and Pregnant: Provides information on medical aspects of pregnancy and gives advice on minimizing the risks of psychiatric flare-ups, avoiding episodes, monitoring behavior, and preparing to go off mediation as pregnancy looms. Discusses medical aspects of pregnancy, preparing for pregnancy, and optimizing the chances of getting pregnant Provides the latest research on medications used to treat bipolar disorder and their effect on developing babies. You and your entire support team will be armed with the knowledge necessary to help you optimize your pregnancy, subside anxiety, and feel confident that you are doing the very best for you and your new family.

This vivid, emotional memoir describes the experience of Katie McDowell, a young woman grappling with a harrowing new diagnosis and a baby on the way. Over the unpredictable course of pregnancy, she confronts many important issues of bipolar disorder, including diagnosis and treatments, stigma and support, and, ultimately, how to cultivate self-compassion and confidence while entering the daunting, beautiful world of motherhood. Through ups and downs, trials and triumphs, McDowell takes you on her nine month journey, bipolar and pregnant. Topics included: depressions and manic episodes; anxiety; social stigma; treatments, mediation and side effects, therapy; role of genes; suicidality; support groups; substance abuse; mood monitoring; role of sleep, exercise and diet; and acceptance.

From the author of Trapped on a Runaway Roller Coaster: Poetry from an Unstable Mind comes a hard look at life with bipolar disorder from a suffereras perspective. Ride at Your Own Risk is a collection of personal experiences combined with an informative message about the disorder as well as the roller coaster that is pregnancy. This book is filled to the brim with a hopeful message, wrapped up in the comedy and tragedy that only real life can bring. Youall smile, laugh and maybe even cry a little. Most of all, youall gain some understanding of a little-discussed subject in a world where information is the key to healthy living for all.

The book provides treatment recommendations for bipolar patients, a review of evidence about bipolar disorder, and states research needs

The Bipolar Book covers not only clinical and pathophysiological matters, but also technical aspects of the evidence accumulation for treatment of bipolar disorder.

More than 30 years ago, Ronald R. Fieve, MD, gained national recognition for his pioneering treatment of what was then known as “manic-depression.” Since then, he has focused on patients with mild bipolarity, also known as Bipolar II. With the right treatment, these patients can turn their illness into an asset. In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Fieve presents a highly successful program that allows Bipolar II patients to harness the creativity and energy of their hypomanic “highs” while minimizing the potentially devastating “lows” of depression. Now with a new foreword explaining the most up-to-date research on the bipolar spectrum, Bipolar Breakthrough includes: -six stay-well strategies for anyone suffering from Bipolar II -the latest information on cutting-edge medications with fewer side effects -a special section on the complications of a bipolar diagnosis for pregnant women, children, and the elderly With results supported by thousands of patient histories, Dr. Fieve’s Bipolar Breakthrough is a landmark work that will help the millions of Bipolar II sufferers live better lives.

This comprehensive reference and text synthesizes a vast body of clinically useful knowledge about women's mental health and health care. Coverage includes women's psychobiology across the life span--sex differences in neurobiology and psychopharmacology and psychiatric aspects of the reproductive cycle--as well as gender-related issues in assessment and treatment of frequently encountered psychiatric disorders. Current findings are presented on sex differences in epidemiology, risk factors, presenting symptoms, treatment options and outcomes, and more. Also addressed are mental health consultation to other medical specialties, developmental and sociocultural considerations in service delivery, and research methodology and health policy concerns.