Bipolar Puzzle Solution: A Mental Health Client's Perspective (Psychological Disorders Series , No 1) [Paperback]

Bryan L. Court (Author), Gerald E. Nelson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1560324937 | ISBN-13: 978-1560324935 | Publication Date: August 1, 1996 | Edition: 1

The content of this book is aimed at those suffering from bipolar disorder, as well as their loved ones and helping professionals. Written by a bipolar sufferer, co-author Bryan L. Court, typical questions heard in bipolar support groups are provided, and each is given an in-depth answer. Court's development of answers was aided by a psychiatrist, labour law attorney, hospital worker and relevant literature. Chapters cover facts about the illness, relationship with the doctor, medications, other treatments, support groups, acceptance, family and friends, employment, disability and hospitalization. Each topical section includes an extensive "psychiatrist's response" by the co-author Gerald E. Nelson, MD, who has been working with bipolar disordered individuals for 20 years.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis; 1 edition (August 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560324937
• ISBN-13: 978-1560324935
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #913,231 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT!!!, July 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Bipolar Puzzle Solution: A Mental Health Client's Perspective (Psychological Disorders Series , No 1) (Paperback)

From someone who lived with a spouse diagnosed with bipolar disorder, this is the best information that I have found to date on this subject. For the last four years, I have been searching for information that was easy to read and understand about the disorder. I have yet to read anything that not only helped me to understand the disease but to also give me some insight on how someone with the disorder feels and what they face on an almost daily basis.

Thank you, Bryan & Dr Nelson, for taking the time to help us better understand and hopefully deal with the issues a bipolar/manic diagnosis can have on the person as well as their friends and family.

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tired of depressing memoirs? Read this book!, June 12, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Bipolar Puzzle Solution: A Mental Health Client's Perspective (Psychological Disorders Series , No 1) (Paperback)

BIPOLAR PUZZLE SOLUTION is a book that patients and families both need to read. It is presented in question and answer format, and offers basic advice, therapy almost, on how to live with manic-depressive illness. It covers the everyday problems, such as how to deal with diet and food additives, exercise, drug use and abuse, that may affect one's moods.

It also talks about what to do when feeling "down", how to handle possible daily mood fluctuations, how to be, make and keep friends, sexual difficulties due to medications and how to keep ignorant people and their thoughtless remarks about your "craziness" from getting you down. In short, this book has much advice for staying healthy, as a book about diabetes and well-being would have advice about that illness.

What surprises me is that I'm the first to review this book, and I have not yet seen it on any of sites devoted to bipolar disorder. Perhaps there is too much space devoted to the "memoirs" of so-called celebrities, that people have forgotten that bipolar disorder is not a glamorous disease suffered only by beautiful, elegant, brilliant people. It is a harrowing disease that wrecks the lives of many smart people just trying to make a living and enjoy life. It has quotidian (everyday) implications such as mood fluctuations that subject their sufferers to a skewed vision of the world and the people in it, and diet, exercise and sleep problems that can throw a person into a serious episode.

This book has a religious component; those who don't adhere can skip those questions and go onto the other things, because there is much of value here for everyone!

I think this book should be in every public and medical library!

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Caution-, September 14, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Bipolar Puzzle Solution: A Mental Health Client's Perspective (Psychological Disorders Series , No 1) (Paperback)

There are two things that potential readers need to be aware of. First, that the author has been diagnosed as Bipolar II. There is a difference between I and II, so if you happen to be Bipolar I, do not expect to read about the extremes that you may experience. Second, this author comes from a Christian perspective. This is great if you happen to be a Christian; otherwise, you might find his references to God/He/Jesus rather annoying. I do have to note that the physician,Gerald Nelson, portrays a pleasing demeanor that makes reading his comments enjoyable. Therefore, if you are a Christian with Bipolar II, go for it. If you are not, borrow a copy before you buy one.