Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families

Rating:
Summary: Should be required reading
Review: This is the best book I have ever read on bipolar disorder. It is actually an interesting read for anyone irrespective of whether they are affected by bipolar. As a source of information for myself, who experiences Type II bipolar disorder, and my wife this book proved invaluable in learning how to handle the disorder and its inherent effects on our family. This book should be required reading for anyone with bipolar and the families of anyone with bipolar.

Rating:
Summary: Extremely comprehensive information!
Review: This really was a very informative, practical, easy flowing guide for understanding and coping with Bipolar. Dr. Mondimore describes the lifestyle habits and treatments that will help you prevent relapse, allowing anybody with bipolar disorder to lead a happy, normal life. This was excellent for any family member with somebody who does have this disorder. It really is explained to why they do what it is we do. He covers Moods, medications, alcoholism and drug abuse. Treatment, where to go for help. Getting better and staying well. Also the role the family has and this really was by far the most comprehensive book I have read yet on this matter.

Rating:
Summary: This Book Saved My Life
Review: Three summers ago, I had yet another psychological meltdown. I'd had them before, many times since I was about 12 years old, but had never pursued a diagnosis. However, this time another person was involved who was a diagnosed and severely medicated bipolar. I purchased this book to understand what this person was dealing with, and in the pages I found an account of my life story and that of my late grandmother's, whom I had always been told was crazy. She, evidently suffered from undiagnosed Bipolar I Disorder. I, on the other hand, am either Bipolar II or Cyclothymic.
My personal relationship was on the rocks, so I checked into a hotel and holed up with this book. Through the darkness of my own depression and confusion came a light of naming and understanding. Then the terror of dying, either at my own hand or from the pain I endured. But I survived both the terror and the pain, and found myself a therapist who has spent the last two years unraveling my psyche. Together, we have explored what can be attributed to my disorder and what can be attributed to the environment in which I was raised, which was emotionally violent at times, and simply emotionally void at others.
I have referred quite a few people to this book - people who have to deal with me on an interpersonal level - because it articulates the elements of the disorder, how they manifest themselves in our lives, and the resulting pain, guilt, shame and terror that we endure.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who suffers from this disorder, and to those who are intimately involved with a person suffering from this disorder.
My personal approach to my treatment has not followed the traditional course of lithium-type drugs. I have been using homeopathic remedies for almost 15 years, so my approach to this was the same. I use homeopathic remedies, and my therapist and homeopath meet regularly to discuss my progress. While this approach might not work for many people because it requires a great deal of self-discipline, self-awareness and an immense sense of personal responsiblity, it has worked well for me.
Thank you for this book. I still believe it saved my life, and continues to do so even now.