Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Part I: Getting Started on Your Bipolar Journey 5
Chapter 1: Grasping Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and Diagnosis 7
Chapter 2: Finding the Cause: The Brain and Body Science of Bipolar Disorder 29
Chapter 3: Reining in Bipolar Disorder: Prognosis and Treatments 47
Part II: Obtaining a Diagnosis and Building a Treatment Plan and Team 61
Chapter 4: Diagnosis Step 1: Ruling Out Other Health Issues 63
Chapter 5: Diagnosis Step 2: Obtaining a Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment Plan 75
Chapter 6: Building a Winning Mood-Management Team 93
Part III: Managing the Biology of Bipolar Disorder 107
Chapter 7: Leveling Moods with Medication 109
Chapter 8: Coming to Terms with Medications and Their Side Effects 141
Chapter 9: Expanding Your Biological Treatment Options 159
Chapter 10: Treating Bipolar Disorder in Women and Other Specific Populations 171
Part IV: Developing Essential Survival Skills 185
Chapter 11: Exploring Self-Help Strategies, Therapies, and Other Supports 187
Chapter 12: Making Lifestyle Adjustments 201
Chapter 13: Communicating Effectively 221
Chapter 14: Solving Problems and Resolving Conflict 233
Chapter 15: Planning Ahead for a Mood Episode 243
Part V: Dealing with the Fallout 253
Chapter 16: From Hospitalization to Recovery 255
Chapter 17: Returning to Work or Not 269
Chapter 18: Overcoming Financial Setbacks 281
Part VI: Assisting a Friend or Relative with Bipolar Disorder 295
Chapter 19: Supporting Your Loved One 297
Chapter 20: Dealing with Crisis Situations 311
Chapter 21: Backing Your Bipolar Child or Teen 327
Part VII: The Part of Tens 353
Chapter 22: Ten Tips for Managing Bipolar 355
Chapter 23: Ten Ways to Help a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder 361
Index 367