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

~ (Author) "My bipolar disorder started with a rude surprise as my first episode of depression came rapidly out of nowhere when I was 20 years old..." (more)
Key Phrases: Social Security, American Psychiatric Association, Manufacturer's Name (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In the U.S. approximately one percent of the population (2.6 million) have a bipolar disorder -- also called manic-depressive illness -- characterized by mood cycles of depression and mania (excessive elation, activity, talkativeness, etc.). Because bipolar illness has genetic tendencies, it affects those from all walks of life, but the majority of persons with the illness don't seek help. Most have been misunderstood, rejected, shunned, and disliked because of the disorder, and they struggle against preconceived ideas and prejudices -- but all seek answers, health, freedom, hope, and love. For someone with bipolar disorder, education and knowledge about the illness are necessary for successful treatment. Until now, few "road maps" have been available.

In this book, the "pieces" that compose the "bipolar puzzle" come together in a unique question-and-answer format. Written by a bipolar sufferer, co-author Bryan L. Court, typical questions heard in bipolar support groups are provided and each is followed by an in-depth answer. Each topical section also includes an extensive "Psychiatrist's Response" by co-author Gerald E. Nelson, M.D., who has been working with bipolar disordered individuals for over 20 years. Covering the whole person -- physical, emotional, and spiritual components of recovery -- this book is essential for individuals suffering from bipolar disorder, as well as their loved ones and helping professionals.

Answering questions about bipolar illness and how to live with it, this book addresses 187 recovery-related questions over the broad range of interest to the patient, family, and friend, and utilizes the same question-and-answer format heard in bipolar support groups. Subjects cover a wide spectrum, including: understanding the illness; treatment methods; medications; attitudes; acceptance; faith; living problems; relationships with friends, family, and psychiatrists; support groups; disability; hospitalization; and employment difficulties. The answers were obtained from a psychiatrist, a labor law attorney, and a hospital worker. A psychiatrist (Nelson) reviewed the answers to the questions and provided a response to each section of the book.

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: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #997,902 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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

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!

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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.