Bipolar The Elements Of Bipolar Disorder

An easy to read little book on Bipolar Disorder, Written in plain English for people with Bipolar Disorder, family members, and therapists. Feedback is that it is a very illuminating book and people have said (Bipolars and therapists) "I finally understand Bipolar Disorder."

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

This book examines in detail the diagnostic approach to manic depressive (bipolar) illness, with special reference to the borderline zones with unipolar depression and schizoaffective disorder. Among other diagnostic issues considered are mixed episodes (often misdiagnosed by psychiatrists), rapid cycling, and the confusion with personality disorders. Within the context of diagnosis and understanding of the dynamics of bipolar disorder, temperament, character, and personality are all extensively discussed. Neurocognitive deficit and disability are covered, as are elements of evolutionary biology and behavior. With regard to treatment, the major focus is on evidence-based therapy, with reference to the results of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses; in addition, contemporary guidelines and future trends are examined. Careful consideration is also given to the psychosocial treatment approach and issues relating to societal and economic costs and burdens.

"The author, a psychiatrist, distills everything readers need to know about bipolar disorder. In down-to-earth language, he explains what bipolar disorder is and how readers can live their best life with the help of medications, therapy, the support of family and friends, and medical care. This is a resource for the newly diagnosed or those seeking rapid answers to the most common questions about bipolar disorder"--

Bipolar disorder causes extreme behavioral and mood swings. These changes from the highs known as mania to the lows of depression are the reasons why it was often called manic depression in the past. Readers discover this and other essential information about this disorder as they explore its symptoms, causes, and treatments. Through detailed sidebars, quotes from experts, and full-color photographs, readers gain a deeper understanding of bipolar disorder as well as how to support loved ones who face its unique challenges. Readers are given the tools to confront the stigma around bipolar disorder with knowledge and empathy.

The brain is the most complex organ in our body. Indeed, it is perhaps the most complex structure we have ever encountered in nature. Both structurally and functionally, there are many peculiarities that differentiate the brain from all other organs. The brain is our connection to the world around us and by governing nervous system and higher function, any disturbance induces severe neurological and psychiatric disorders that can have a devastating effect on quality of life. Our understanding of the physiology and biochemistry of the brain has improved dramatically in the last two decades. In particular, the critical role of cations, including magnesium, has become evident, even if incompletely understood at a mechanistic level. The exact role and regulation of magnesium, in particular, remains elusive, largely because intracellular levels are so difficult to routinely quantify. Nonetheless, the importance of magnesium to normal central nervous system activity is self-evident given the complicated homeostatic mechanisms that maintain the concentration of this cation within strict limits essential for normal physiology and metabolism. There is also considerable accumulating evidence to suggest alterations to some brain functions in both normal and pathological conditions may be linked to alterations in local magnesium concentration. This book, containing chapters written by some of the foremost experts in the field of magnesium research, brings together the latest in experimental and clinical magnesium research as it relates to the central nervous system. It offers a complete and updated view of magnesiums involvement in central nervous system function and in so doing, brings together two main pillars of contemporary neuroscience research, namely providing an explanation for the molecular mechanisms involved in brain function, and emphasizing the connections between the molecular changes and behavior. It is the untiring efforts of those magnesium researchers who have dedicated their lives to unraveling the mysteries of magnesiums role in biological systems that has inspired the collation of this volume of work.

From leading scientist-practitioners, this pragmatic, accessible book provides a complete framework for individualized assessment and treatment of bipolar disorder. It addresses the complexities of working with individuals with broadly varying histories and clinical presentations, including those who have been recently diagnosed, those who are symptomatically stable, and those who struggle day to day to achieve symptom remission. Extensive case material illustrates proven strategies for conceptualizing patients' needs and working collaboratively to help them adhere to medication treatments, recognize the early warning signs of manic and depressive episodes, build coping skills, and manage specific symptoms. The second edition is a complete revision of the original volume, updated and restructured to be even more user friendly for clinicians.