Introduction 1Part 1: Getting Started on Your Bipolar Journey 5Chapter 1: Grasping Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and Diagnosis 7Chapter 2: Exploring Possible Causes: The Brain and Body Science of Bipolar Disorder 29Chapter 3: Reining in Bipolar Disorder: Prognosis and Treatments 49Part 2: Obtaining a Diagnosis, Developing a Treatment Plan, and Building a Team 61Chapter 4: Getting an Accurate Diagnosis 63Chapter 5: Building Your Treatment Plan 91Chapter 6: Building a Winning Mood-Management Team 103Part 3: Managing the Biology of Bipolar Disorder 119Chapter 7: Leveling Moods with Medication 121Chapter 8: Coming to Terms with Medications and Their Side Effects 149Chapter 9: Expanding Your Biological Treatment Options 169Chapter 10: Addressing Bipolar Disorder Across Diverse Communities 185Part 4: Developing Essential Survival Skills 205Chapter 11: Exploring Self Help and Professional Therapies 207Chapter 12: Making Lifestyle Adjustments 227Chapter 13: Communicating Effectively 245Chapter 14: Solving Problems and Resolving Conflict 259Chapter 15: Planning Ahead for a Mood Episode 271Part 5: Dealing with the Fallout 283Chapter 16: From Hospitalization to Recovery 285Chapter 17: Returning to Work or Not 301Chapter 18: Overcoming Financial Setbacks 315Part 6: Assisting a Friend or Relative with Bipolar Disorder 329Chapter 19: Supporting Your Loved One 331Chapter 20: Dealing with Crisis Situations 345Chapter 21: Supporting Your Bipolar Child or Teen 361Part 7: The Part of Tens 389Chapter 22: Ten Tips for Managing Bipolar 391Chapter 23: Ten Ways to Help a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder 399Index 405
Candida Fink, MD, is a psychiatrist with board certifications in adult and pediatric psychiatry. She specializes in a neurodevelopmental 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.