Bipolar Disorder Demystified: Mastering the Tightrope of Manic Depression (Paperback)

by Lana R. Castle (Author), Peter C. Whybrow (Foreword) "LIVING WITH BIPOLAR disorder is much like living your life on a tightrope-not because you choose to walk that tightrope but because it's the only..." (more)
Key Phrases: serious brain disorders, nerve signal transmissions, unipolar disorder, United States, Medications Appendix, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Bipolar Disorder Demystified is a very useful book written by a woman who has been there. " -- E Fuller Torrey, M.D., co-author of Surviving Manic Depression

"Bipolar disorder presents constant challenges. Lana Castle confronts these challenges...and offers personal wisdom in relaying her own story." -- Nancy Rosenfeld, author of New Hope for People with Bipolar Disorder

Product Description
Bipolar disorder, a brain disorder characterized by intense high and low moods, is a complex illness that is often difficult to identify. Each year, at least 2.3 million Americans suffer from its most severe form, while an estimated 10–13 million others suffer from milder forms. Yet, many go misdiagnosed or untreated. In Bipolar Disorder Demystified, author Lana Castle, who has lived most of her life with this illness, turns her personal experience into an enlightening and useful guide for all those traveling down the same path. In clear and compassionate language, Castle helps those who suffer from the illness as well as their friends and family understand the true nature of bipolar disorder, the factors that complicate its diagnosis, and the best ways to cope with it. Bipolar Disorder Demystified makes great strides in dispelling the mystery surrounding this illness, helping readers decide if it’s time to seek treatment and providing those with any form of mood disorder the information they need to better manage their lives.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (January 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569245584
• ISBN-13: 978-1569245583
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #287,425 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This is item 1 in The Demystified Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Reassurance for those who suffer as well as some insight, May 17, 2004

By	Sarah Shoemaker (WA state) - See all my reviews

The first day I got this book I nearly read all of it. It was that interesting, even to me, who also suffers from this wretched illness. I felt like I had finally found a book that I could relate to. Many of the previous books I had read relating to bipolar disorder were written by doctors who treat, not live, the illness. It offered empathic and realistic insight into what those with bipolar disease suffer--and how they continually self-destruct. It is a quick and easy read, yet it offers helpful advice, albeit mostly common sense. It also offers point by point chapters that are easily accessible. I think it would also be extremely helpful for loved ones of the mentally ill. One warning for women with bipolar disorder: ST. JOHNS WART CAN INTERRACT WITH BIRTH CONTROL PILLS. The author does not touch on this and I think it is important for women to be aware of this potential interraction. I got pregnant as a result. Since it was an unexpected pregnancy it threw me into a great depressive state that lasted the entire duration of my pregnancy.--Which leads me to my next point: I would have liked to have read some things about bipolar disorder and motherhood. Since many woman are diagnosed in their twenties, some of them may be parents. She touches on her mothering experiences very lightly--as they were experienced as a step-parent. I am told I cannot have any more children because of my bipolar disorder--I wish I could find a book by someone who had experienced this as well.--In any case, it is a good book. I highly recommend it to patients, students, family, friends, etc.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you want to know about bipolar disorder, September 30, 2003

By	Jim S (Upstate, NY) - See all my reviews

Lana Castle does an excellent job in writing a broad survey of help available for those with bipolar disorder. Although she herself gets most help from medication, she also advocates exercise, self-help groups, and herbs. Her personal insights from living with her mood changes were refreshing. She even dives into the biochemistry of moods and of why good nutrition can help. Her medication table in the appendix allows one to track the many types of medication.
Living a lifetime as a bipolar myself, I can testify that many of her methods work. Everyone affected by this condition should read this book and refer to it over and over.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An incredibly useful reference, March 4, 2003

By A Customer

I couldn't disagree more with the previous review - I found this book to be an incredibly useful reference. Yes, it covered a lot that I already knew - but I found much that was new to me. Too, it summarized information that I'd have to go a number of places to find otherwise, so I could unhesitatingly recommend it to my family to help them understand my disorder better.

I found much of the nutirtional information useful, and Lana Castle's advice for managing your life with Bipolar Disorder was presented in realistic, unpreachy ways, unlike other authors who seem to expect us to live our lives like Martha Stewarts of BP - doable only if you have no children or have a staff.

If I purchased only one book about bipolar disorder, it would be this one.