Break The Bipolar Cycle

Take control of your symptoms--and take charge of your life If you're dealing with bipolar disorder, you already know that it’s more than a cycle of “ups” and “downs.” You may also have difficulty with depression and irritability, as well as problems with weight gain, memory, and fatigue. Dealing with these day-to-day problems can sometimes seem like too much to bear. Drawing on the latest research in bipolar disorder, stress, and health, this step-by-step guide offers a complete selection of livable, workable solutions to manage bipolar disorder and helps you: Identify your symptoms Explore your treatment options Stabilize your moods Sharpen your mind Achieve your goals This isn't a one-size-fits-all guide. It's a uniquely personal approach to your bipolar disorder that covers the full spectrum of the disease and its symptoms. You'll be able to find successful ways to regulate your moods, relieve your stress, improve your thought processes, and break the bipolar cycle--for a happier, healthier life.

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 workbook delivers a hands-on resource, with a variety of tools that enable readers to recognize the early warning signs of an oncoming episode, develop plans for withstanding the seductive pull of manic episodes, and escape the paralysis of depression.

Anyone who has struggled with sex addiction knows that living with constant sexual compulsions can be extremely difficult. But summoning the courage to find help for this condition can be even more of a challenge. If addictions to pornography, strip clubs, massage parlors, prostitutes, phone sex, or chat rooms have made you feel trapped, this book can help you find a way to break free. Written by a former sex addict who specializes in counseling people who suffer from sexually compulsive behavior, Breaking the Cycle presents a step-by-step plan to enjoying a life of productivity and purpose. You can free yourself from the powerful, compulsive urges that may have damaged your career, finances, or relationships with friends and family. The exercises in this book will show you how to regain control of your life and build meaningful intimate connections with others.

Algorithms serve an important purpose in the field of psychopharmacology as heuristics for avoiding the biases and cognitive lapses that are common when prescribing for many conditions whose treatment is based on complex data. Unique in the field, this title compiles twelve papers from the Psychopharmacology Algorithm Project at the Harvard South Shore Psychiatry Residency Training Program and presents practical ways to adopt evidence-based practices into the day-to-day treatment of patients. Psychopharmacology Algorithms is a useful resource for practicing psychiatrists, residents, and fellows, as well as psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatric physician assistants who prescribe, advanced practice pharmacists who prescribe, and primary care clinicians. Teachers of psychopharmacology may find it particularly valuable. Researchers in clinical psychopharmacology may find it helpful in identifying important practice areas that are in need of further study.

This much-needed volume gives clinicians essential strategies for managing the complexities of bipolar disorder and tailoring treatment to each patient's changing needs. Highly readable, accessible, and pragmatic, the book provides expert guidance on critically important treatment questions. It addresses which medications to try and at what dosages, what psychosocial interventions are most helpful at different phases of the illness, how to continually monitor and fine-tune treatment to keep patients functioning well, and how to involve family members productively. The authors draw on state-of-the-art research as well as extensive clinical experience as a psychotherapist and a psychopharmacologist. Vivid case material is included throughout. Reproducible questionnaires and forms can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size. Winner (First Place)--American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year Award, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Category ÿ

A bipolar diagnosis can be overwhelming to sufferers and their family members. They need trustworthy information and support for finding the right treatment and coping with the illness's devastating ups and downs. Over 200,000 readers have already found exactly that in this indispensable guide from a leading expert. Explaining the disorder's causes, diagnosis, and best current treatments, David J. Miklowitz shows how to plan for and reduce recurrences of mood symptoms, make needed lifestyle changes to stay well, and strengthen relationships strained by the illness. Readers love the user-friendly tone, true-to-life stories, checklists, worksheets, and practical problem-solving advice. Updated throughout, the second edition has a new chapter, "For Women Only"; the latest facts on medications and therapy; and an expanded discussion of parenting issues for bipolar adults. This book will be invaluable to people with bipolar illness and their family members and significant others; mental health professionals and students.