Bipolar Disorder For Dummies (eBook)

Candida Fink, MD, is a psychiatrist with board certifications in adult and pediatric psychiatry. She specializes in a neurodevelop-mental approach to psychiatric illnesses, including mood disorders, in children, adolescents, and adults. She has navigated family challenges with bipolar disorder as well. Joe Kraynak is a writer and editor who has co-authored numerous Dummies guides. He has been married to an incredible woman with bipolar disorder since 1984.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting Started on Your Bipolar Journey 5

Chapter 1: Grasping Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and Diagnosis 7

Chapter 2: Exploring Possible Causes: The Brain and Body Science of Bipolar Disorder 29

Chapter 3: Reining in Bipolar Disorder: Prognosis and Treatments 49

Part 2: Obtaining a Diagnosis, Developing a Treatment Plan, and Building a Team 61

Chapter 4: Getting an Accurate Diagnosis 63

Chapter 5: Building Your Treatment Plan 91

Chapter 6: Building a Winning Mood-Management Team 103

Part 3: Managing the Biology of Bipolar Disorder 119

Chapter 7: Leveling Moods with Medication 121

Chapter 8: Coming to Terms with Medications and Their Side Effects 149

Chapter 9: Expanding Your Biological Treatment Options 169

Chapter 10: Addressing Bipolar Disorder Across Diverse Communities 185

Part 4: Developing Essential Survival Skills 205

Chapter 11: Exploring Self Help and Professional Therapies 207

Chapter 12: Making Lifestyle Adjustments 227

Chapter 13: Communicating Effectively 245

Chapter 14: Solving Problems and Resolving Conflict 259

Chapter 15: Planning Ahead for a Mood Episode 271

Part 5: Dealing with the Fallout 283

Chapter 16: From Hospitalization to Recovery 285

Chapter 17: Returning to Work or Not 301

Chapter 18: Overcoming Financial Setbacks 315

Part 6: Assisting a Friend or Relative with Bipolar Disorder 329

Chapter 19: Supporting Your Loved One 331

Chapter 20: Dealing with Crisis Situations 345

Chapter 21: Supporting Your Bipolar Child or Teen 361

Part 7: The Part of Tens 389

Chapter 22: Ten Tips for Managing Bipolar 391

Chapter 23: Ten Ways to Help a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder 399

Index 405