Depression And Bipolar Disorder

Presents an exploration of the causes, symptoms and treatments of depression and bipolar disorders.

This manual attempts to provide simple, adequate and evidence-based information to health care professionals in primary health care especially in low- and middle-income countries to be able to provide pharmacological treatment to persons with mental disorders. The manual contains basic principles of prescribing followed by chapters on medicines used in psychotic disorders; depressive disorders; bipolar disorders; generalized anxiety and sleep disorders; obsessive compulsive disorders and panic attacks; and alcohol and opioid dependence. The annexes provide information on evidence retrieval, assessment and synthesis and the peer view process.

Seven years ago, John McManamy was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Through his successful Web site and newsletter, he has turned his struggles into a lifelong dedication to helping others battling depression and bipolar disorder reclaim their lives. In Living Well with Depression and Bipolar Disorder, he brilliantly blends the knowledge of leading expert authorities with the experiences of his fellow patients, as well as his own, and offers extensive information on: Diagnosing the problem Associated illnesses and symptoms Treatments, lifestyle, and coping The effects of depression and bipolar disorder on relationships and sex With a compassionate and eloquent voice, McManamy describes his belief that depression is a wide spectrum that reaches from occasional bouts of depression to full-fledged bipolar disorder. The first book to help patients recognize this diversity of the disorder, Living Well with Depression and Bipolar Disorder will help sufferers begin to reclaim their lives.

Responding to the reasons why people often do not recover from mood disorders, this book empowers readers by providing the tools needed to work effectively with doctors and health care providers to negotiate the complex pathway to a full and lasting recovery from depression or bipolar disorder. It explains the three main barriers to recovery—not receiving treatment, incorrect diagnosis, and receiving inadequate treatment—and how to overcome these challenges to ensure successful treatment. A practical book for the layperson, it provides flowcharts and useful forms to help readers determine whether they need help and how best to collaborate with their medical team.

Chapters covering depression and bipolar disorder have been revised and expanded by Dr Stephen M. Stahl for this third edition.

Depression and bipolar disorder are imbalances in brain chemistry that affect mood, perception, and behavior. If left untreated, these imbalances can lead to years of pain and even suicide. Better understanding of the causes of depression and bipolar disorder and a revolution in medications for psychiatric illness along with psychotherapy have made both conditions treatable and brought relief to millions. Everything from the history of these disorders to their treatment options and stories of real teens dealing with depression are covered.

Surviving Manic Depression is the most authoritative book on this disorder, which affects more than two million people in the U.S. alone. Based on the latest research, it provides detailed coverage of every aspect of manic depression-from understanding its causes and treatments to choosing doctors and managing relapses-with guidance drawn from the latest scientific information. Drs. Torrey and Knable provide thorough, up-to-date coverage of all aspects of the disease, including a detailed description of symptoms (with many direct descriptions from patients themselves), risk factors, onset and cause, medications (including drugs still in the testing stage), psychotherapy, and rehabilitation, as well as information about how the disease affects children and adolescents. Here too are discussions of special problems related to manic depression, including alcohol and drug abuse, violent behavior, medication noncompliance, suicide, sex, AIDS, and confidentiality. Surviving Manic Depression also includes special features such as a listing of selected websites, books, videotapes, and other resources.