Surviving Manic Depression: A Manual on Bipolar Disorder for Patients, Families, and Providers

Bipolar became a diagnosis in 1957 from Karl Leonhard Jn. 8:57 V8 Original Heinz Ketchup 57 Varieties Bipolar Mania Jn. 10:22-42. Sweden and Norway have the Order of the Polar Star. Bipolar is depression that is not laziness, spending sprees, mania of staying awake for several days and nights with no sleep. I was in group therapy day programs from 1996 to 1998 and 2004 to 2011 and I knew other clients and consumers that were diagnosed Bipolar and it is not as severe as schizophrenia in social situations. I like this book.

This is a book I wish no one had to read, but for those of us who have a loved one suffering from manic depression, this is the absolutely essential read. There are some parts of it, concerning various studies and statistics, which aren't really germane to what we, as family members, need to know about the illness, but the bulk of the work is tremendously helpful. We are given the symptoms of the illness, in all of its varied forms, and quite importantly, the current medications are thoroughly discussed, with all of their helps and hindrances, including side effects and interactions with other drugs. It's not an easy book to read, but I don't mean that in the comprehension sense: in that way, anyone can read and understand. It's just that manic depression is such a terrible illness, not only on the person who has it, but on all those around that person who love him or her and try to be helpful. When you read some of the small case studies, and also learn about some of the very tragic situations for those afflicted, sometime you just want to close the book and cry for awhile. However you get through this book, it's essential that you do, for it can only improve everyone's understanding of this illness, and hopefully enable the rest of us to cope with, and love unequivocally, our ill family member. More than any drug or treatment, I truly believe that love and unconditional care from us is essestial. It's not a cure, but it will help.

Definitely a book worth getting. I get frustrated with all the books that are simply experiences of the author. I've had this diagnosis for well over 20 years and know how to live a stable happy life. My interest lies in the science behind it, the studies that have been published, and the future of possibilities relating to bipolar and similar illnesses.This book has some of everything one would find helpful without the "personal life experience stuff" that other books have. It explains all aspects of this illness as well as all the differing options that could explain symptoms that may not be mental illness related in anyway, i.e., side effects from some medications, symptoms produced by physical illnesses, etc. Also, one important thing that I took away from this book was additional nomenclature for better communication with professionals.The only thing is that all this data, as of 2011, is nearly 9 years old. If the author writes a revised version of this book I would be one of the first to purchase it. I am currently reading through the information available at the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation: [....]

All of that information I already obtain throu the Internet saits. The book was nothing to do about reality of surviving-only main information about desease and main information (very old, thouh, it is another level of medicine already exist , for exsample, abilify). Nothing new for me, mother of bipolar child, who declines her medical help. Again, nothing about SURVIVING. Sorry, Natalia Seregin.

E. Fuller Torrey is a name I have referenced many times in my Graduate papers about mental illness, and he's definitely an authority. This book is thick, and full of information about basically anything you'd want to know about Bipolar Disorder. However, the caveat is that it's geared toward a more research/academic audience (in my opinion) and it's not an "easy read", like you can't really pick it up and take it with you to lay out by the pool, it does take some concentration.The other thing is, considering the date it was published, and how fast research changes, take everything with a grain of salt. Sure things like the fact that Lithium is the best and oldest drug used to treat Bipolar stand, but other things mentioned in the book may or may not. I also do not agree with some of his assertions, but overall as a patient, I think it's good to know the research as well, so this is definitely a book that will help accomplish that goal.

I have family members with Manic depression and I want to learn as much as I can.

I bought this publication for a friend who is suffering symptoms of depression. It was recommended to me bya professor of Social Work as a preferred reference.

I just got this book yesterday from Amazon. To say its the best, most salient book on the subject I have ever read- well I cannot do it justice.I have read almost every book on this subject, since I am afflicted by it. It is very well written, moe for the lay person, than the medical establishment. I've learned more about this from this book than any other book I have read. And it is written not only for people who are manic depressive, but those who love us.It's pretty much a must read, and should be read by everyone who either suffers from it, or knows a loved one who does.

Not finished it yet but so far it's very knowledgeable