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Bipolar Disorder For Dummies
Understand the realities of bipolar disorder
When one receives the diagnosis that they or a loved one has bipolar disorder, it can be a time of fear and worry. Bipolar Disorder For Dummies, 3rd Edition explains the brain chemistry behind the disease and covers the latest medications and therapies. You'll get reassuring, sound advice and self-help techniques that you and your loved ones, including kids and teens, can use to ease and eliminate symptoms, function in times of crisis, plan ahead for manic or depressive episodes, and feel a whole lot better. This new edition will include new and updated content on genetics, biochemistry, and imaging studies relevant to bipolar, expanded coverage on how to handle the high costs of treatment, and supporting a loved one (who may not want help, medications and treatment options, including DSM-5, ECT, and TMS along with new coverage on special populations (how bipolar affects different groups, like women and various ethnic groups and special populations, like seniors and expectant moms.
Bipolar disorder, which has also been called manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual mood swings and shifting energy levels. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can, if not understood and handled properly, wreak havoc on personal and professional relationships. Though bipolar disorder is a serious condition, it's one that can be treated! With a firm understanding of what you're dealing with, you can navigate your way through the challenges of bipolar disorder, whether you or a loved one suffers from this illness.
Recognize the warning signs of mania and depression, which may point to bipolar disorder Understand where to find the latest treatment options Stay on track with personal and professional aspects of life Effectively and compassionately respond to rants, depression, mania, and other behaviors associated with bipolar disorderBipolar Disorder For Dummies, 3rd Edition offers straightforward, reassuring information about bipolar disorder to help you or your loved one conquer the disease.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2015
172 people are currently reading
968 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 22, 2019
Bipolar Disorder For Dummies By Candida Fink and Joe Kraynak
For Dummies, Oct 15, 2015
408 Pages, Kindle Edition
Review:
First, I want to preface this by saying this book and any other information or self-help book should not replace that of a trained professional. Bipolar Disorder is a severe mental illness that needs constant care and observation from professionals such as psychiatrists and psychologists. In no way is this book to be used to diagnose, treat or cure the disorder.
I read this book under the spell of depression and have to say, out of all the mental illnesses there are, bipolar disorder is not straight forward. There is no “one size fits all” symptomology, and there is indeed no single treatment for it.
This book, however, was very informative.
Bipolar Disorder, like all mental illnesses, is a disorder of the brain. It is not a disease in that you can not contract it from anyone or spread it about like a common cold. It is, or it isn’t, plain and simple.
Though, there is nothing plain and straightforward about this mental illness. Filled with terrifying highs and deadly lows, bipolar disorder is nothing less than a nightmare for the person who has it.
This book serves as a mere guide to understanding one of the least understood illnesses of the bunch. Because bipolar disorder has so many faces, so many symptoms, it is hard to pinpoint and diagnose or treat the illness.
Written in standard English and separated by chapters and correct headings that are then followed by quick bullet points, this is an easy to understand book about a very hard to understand mental illness.
People who have the illness do not know they are sick until they suffer some catastrophic events. This could be terrible depressions or a string of appalling acts during bouts of intense mania. Though many receive the diagnosis at a young age, many do not get proper treatment and stick with it until they are older and wiser. Many, however, stay in the manic to depression to psychotic state without any treatment at all.
However, because there is no simple or straightforward treatment for each person, not all of the medications used or developed are listed. This is something to think about. Atypical Antipsychotics are used to treat the psychosis of the disorder while Anticonvulsants and mood levelers like Lithium are used to suppress mania and prevent the damnable depression. These are all fine and good, but many people, like myself, cannot take the medications that are listed in the book. I am on several different medications. This is why NO ONE should use this book as a gold standard of treatment options available.
It is also common many people with BD drop into the statistics of alcohol and drug users if not addicts. Self-medication can seem to control the symptoms, but the effects are short-lived and have a diminishing return. This is where you see a lot of overdoses and alcohol-related hospitalizations and deaths.
So, how does this book Bipolar Disorder For Dummies help? Very simple. This book can educate partners, families, friends, etc. about the illness and make it easier for the person or people involved with the ill person. The goal is getting people to help. Not only that but keeping a person properly medicated, visiting doctors regularly and making sure they don’t fall into the clutches of drugs and alcohol.
Does This Book Help Meet That Goal?
If more books like this existed and were widely promoted like most romance and YA novels are, then more ill people would be getting the help they need. Sadly, mental health books are not popular, and many do not know that they exist unless someone looks for them.
Books like this and many others need more exposure so that families and friends can educate themselves and find out the things they need to know about their loved one’s illness before it’s too late.
Writing and Organization of Text
Because this is a self-help and information book, much is left out. This could be because much of what is known about the disorder borders on the scientific and neurological. This book is written for people that do not have a background in psychology, neuroscience or neurology.
The words may be complicated at first, but they are quickly explained. The text includes complicated scientific names of brain structures and neurotransmitters; however, there is always a bullet point that explains what the word is and how it affects the brain/mind.
There are also short areas discussing medications that are available. The generic/pharmacological name and brand names are listed and what they do. This makes understanding what the medications are and what they are intended to do.
Also, there is a sense of hope in the way the material is presented. This book is written like any other mental health/medical guide; however, there seems to be an air of hope and promise for those who follow through treatment.
Do I Recommend This Book?
Because I have had and know many who do have bipolar disorder, I have read many books in my time. I would recommend this book to anyone who is:
1. curious about the disorder and its treatments,
2. A patient of a hospital or Dr. that wants to know more or
3. a loved one that wants to help.
This is a good book that merely opens the door for many other more complicated things that come from learning about this disorder. This, like any other, information text is just that: INFORMATION.
If you or someone you know is or could be bipolar ( or any other disorder), get help right away. Reading books alone will not help.
For Dummies, Oct 15, 2015
408 Pages, Kindle Edition
Review:
First, I want to preface this by saying this book and any other information or self-help book should not replace that of a trained professional. Bipolar Disorder is a severe mental illness that needs constant care and observation from professionals such as psychiatrists and psychologists. In no way is this book to be used to diagnose, treat or cure the disorder.
I read this book under the spell of depression and have to say, out of all the mental illnesses there are, bipolar disorder is not straight forward. There is no “one size fits all” symptomology, and there is indeed no single treatment for it.
This book, however, was very informative.
Bipolar Disorder, like all mental illnesses, is a disorder of the brain. It is not a disease in that you can not contract it from anyone or spread it about like a common cold. It is, or it isn’t, plain and simple.
Though, there is nothing plain and straightforward about this mental illness. Filled with terrifying highs and deadly lows, bipolar disorder is nothing less than a nightmare for the person who has it.
This book serves as a mere guide to understanding one of the least understood illnesses of the bunch. Because bipolar disorder has so many faces, so many symptoms, it is hard to pinpoint and diagnose or treat the illness.
Written in standard English and separated by chapters and correct headings that are then followed by quick bullet points, this is an easy to understand book about a very hard to understand mental illness.
People who have the illness do not know they are sick until they suffer some catastrophic events. This could be terrible depressions or a string of appalling acts during bouts of intense mania. Though many receive the diagnosis at a young age, many do not get proper treatment and stick with it until they are older and wiser. Many, however, stay in the manic to depression to psychotic state without any treatment at all.
However, because there is no simple or straightforward treatment for each person, not all of the medications used or developed are listed. This is something to think about. Atypical Antipsychotics are used to treat the psychosis of the disorder while Anticonvulsants and mood levelers like Lithium are used to suppress mania and prevent the damnable depression. These are all fine and good, but many people, like myself, cannot take the medications that are listed in the book. I am on several different medications. This is why NO ONE should use this book as a gold standard of treatment options available.
It is also common many people with BD drop into the statistics of alcohol and drug users if not addicts. Self-medication can seem to control the symptoms, but the effects are short-lived and have a diminishing return. This is where you see a lot of overdoses and alcohol-related hospitalizations and deaths.
So, how does this book Bipolar Disorder For Dummies help? Very simple. This book can educate partners, families, friends, etc. about the illness and make it easier for the person or people involved with the ill person. The goal is getting people to help. Not only that but keeping a person properly medicated, visiting doctors regularly and making sure they don’t fall into the clutches of drugs and alcohol.
Does This Book Help Meet That Goal?
If more books like this existed and were widely promoted like most romance and YA novels are, then more ill people would be getting the help they need. Sadly, mental health books are not popular, and many do not know that they exist unless someone looks for them.
Books like this and many others need more exposure so that families and friends can educate themselves and find out the things they need to know about their loved one’s illness before it’s too late.
Writing and Organization of Text
Because this is a self-help and information book, much is left out. This could be because much of what is known about the disorder borders on the scientific and neurological. This book is written for people that do not have a background in psychology, neuroscience or neurology.
The words may be complicated at first, but they are quickly explained. The text includes complicated scientific names of brain structures and neurotransmitters; however, there is always a bullet point that explains what the word is and how it affects the brain/mind.
There are also short areas discussing medications that are available. The generic/pharmacological name and brand names are listed and what they do. This makes understanding what the medications are and what they are intended to do.
Also, there is a sense of hope in the way the material is presented. This book is written like any other mental health/medical guide; however, there seems to be an air of hope and promise for those who follow through treatment.
Do I Recommend This Book?
Because I have had and know many who do have bipolar disorder, I have read many books in my time. I would recommend this book to anyone who is:
1. curious about the disorder and its treatments,
2. A patient of a hospital or Dr. that wants to know more or
3. a loved one that wants to help.
This is a good book that merely opens the door for many other more complicated things that come from learning about this disorder. This, like any other, information text is just that: INFORMATION.
If you or someone you know is or could be bipolar ( or any other disorder), get help right away. Reading books alone will not help.
June 15, 2011
When I was newly diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2007, I was searching for all the information I could on my illness. After I was released from the hospital. I asked my older brother to take me to the bookstore. While there I picked up a lot of books and this was one of them. The format is simple and easy to understand. It let me know more about my illness. The book is broken down into sections, which I really liked. This book gave me a lot of relief when I was just a confused teenager with a chronic illness. That's a lot to ask from a For Dummies book isn't it XD?
November 18, 2016
This book was very informative. It gave all kinds of great information for people who have Bipolar Disorder, people who know someone with Bipolar Disorder (namely family and friends) or a child/teen that has Bipolar disorder. It talks about what to talk to your doctor about concerning medications to treat the disorder, what the side effects of the medications are and anything else you need to go over with the doctor. It talks about how to get help for your child or teen that could have Bipolar Disorder. It talks about a lot of very important things and describes symptoms of mood episodes to look out for. All in all, it was a very good book and I hope anyone else that reads it enjoys it too as much as I did.
August 26, 2020
The Best bipolar book I've read, easy to read and comprehensive.
I have read many books on bipolar disorder. This book was not only easy to read, comparatively, but it was very thorough and comprehensive. Education of this disorder cannot be emphasised enough. This is the best bipolar book I've read.
I have read many books on bipolar disorder. This book was not only easy to read, comparatively, but it was very thorough and comprehensive. Education of this disorder cannot be emphasised enough. This is the best bipolar book I've read.
September 21, 2013
Excellent, for a beginner answers a ton of questions.
November 12, 2025
Honestly, this book is top notch. I'd recommend it in a heartbeat. Fink dives into every singe aspect of the illness in a very understandable way. She pushes people with the diagnosis to accept the immense change in their life, but to also pursue their very achievable recovery. She doesn't baby the reader at all, which is great. She's just like: "Hey, you have this. It definitely sucks. But it could suck worse. Also, you can live a stable and great life as long as you embrace consistency." I like that approach.
I learned so much while reading this. The book includes a very helpful chart of the most common mood stabilizers and anti-psychotics, their benefits, drawbacks, and general effectiveness. I wish every person got one of these charts printed out. I also learned that people with bipolar disorder should set up their life like it might be hijacked at any moment. This reduces the aftershock of mania. For example, overspending is a huge symptom. Fink recommends certain preemptive actions while still stable, like lowering credit limits, freezing/closing/fully disposing of credit cards, and other great tips.
Another eye opener was the chapter about hospitalization. I had no idea that a person can research and pick a great psychiatric facility and have that listed as the place they want to go in the case of an episode. And a good insurance plan will cover it. I, along with many people I know, always thought it was ER --> sub-par psych ward, which is honestly such a traumatic process. People with bipolar disorder normally require repeat hospitalizations and I love how this book framed it. Instead of it being a looming cloud, it's just a thing that might happen that you can totally be prepared for in a way that suits you. I just thought that was amazing.
Great book. Buy it, annotate it, and keep it for a re-read!
I learned so much while reading this. The book includes a very helpful chart of the most common mood stabilizers and anti-psychotics, their benefits, drawbacks, and general effectiveness. I wish every person got one of these charts printed out. I also learned that people with bipolar disorder should set up their life like it might be hijacked at any moment. This reduces the aftershock of mania. For example, overspending is a huge symptom. Fink recommends certain preemptive actions while still stable, like lowering credit limits, freezing/closing/fully disposing of credit cards, and other great tips.
Another eye opener was the chapter about hospitalization. I had no idea that a person can research and pick a great psychiatric facility and have that listed as the place they want to go in the case of an episode. And a good insurance plan will cover it. I, along with many people I know, always thought it was ER --> sub-par psych ward, which is honestly such a traumatic process. People with bipolar disorder normally require repeat hospitalizations and I love how this book framed it. Instead of it being a looming cloud, it's just a thing that might happen that you can totally be prepared for in a way that suits you. I just thought that was amazing.
Great book. Buy it, annotate it, and keep it for a re-read!
February 3, 2025
I wanted a refresher on the science behind the disease. This book really offers everything from brain chemistry to talking to family/friends. People never really get it unless they’re BP themselves. Oh well. Take your meds!!!
March 28, 2021
Dili gayet güzel, açıklayıcı (çook nadiren daha açık bir şekilde çevirilseydi keşke dedim onlarda da anlaşılıyordu)
''ağbi deli bal''
''ağbi deli bal''
August 10, 2023
2023 4th edition:
I’m not a fan of the bright yellow For Dummies marketing.
But that aside, this is well organized, up-to-date, and comprehensive.
I’m not a fan of the bright yellow For Dummies marketing.
But that aside, this is well organized, up-to-date, and comprehensive.
April 25, 2021
Bipolar Disorder For Dummies. Authored by Candida Fink MD and Joe Kraynak MA this 3rd Edition was published in 2016 by John Wiley and Sons, Inc. The book measures 10 inches by 7 1/2 inches and sports the typical “Dummies” cover with yellow and black colors and is 388 pages long. It has a very conversational style that may appeal to some readers, but such a style adds to its considerable length. Bipolar for Dummies has numerous headings in the text and icons in the margins in the typical "Dummies" format. I would have enjoyed more informative case vignettes. The first chapter covers the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, perhaps to excess, in the sense of including various modifiers which would probably be only of interest to some clinicians. There is an index and no glossary. It includes no references, which is a drawback. Bipolar for Dummies is thorough, sometimes to a fault. It includes ancillary information which, while certainly informative, does not add essential information about bipolar disorder. For example, in Chapter 11 about treating women, there is a discussion of the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Good information, but extra information that might be distracting to a reader who wants to focus on bipolar disorder. Similarly in a chapter about alternative treatments the authors spend some time on magnesium and zinc supplements. Deficiencies in those minerals have not been linked to bipolar disorder, nor is there any evidence that those minerals as supplements enhance treatment of bipolar in any fashion. All this ancillary information along with the tendency for chapters to repeat information makes for a rather long book of over 38paperback pages. Bipolar for Dummies has a detailed listing of alternative treatments, herbs or supplements which have no good evidence of efficacy and some potential for harm. One exception is omega-3-fatty acids, a supplement which has backing from several research studies as helpful when added to standard treatments. The overall “institutional” look of Bipolar for Dummies might turn off some readers, just as others, who have found benefit in other similar “for Dummies” publications, might be drawn to it. Published in 2016, Bipolar for Dummies was able to include some of the more recently approved medications for bipolar depression, but has no mention of Vraylar (cariprazine) a second generation antipsychotic FDA-approved for treating bipolar depression, mania and mixed episodes. This new medication has some unique aspects in its pharmacologic profile (blocking D3 receptors). Ketamine is mentioned in a section about possible future meds, but the book is too old to include newly approved esketamine nasal spray for depression or brexanolone for post partum depression. Similarly the book has no mention of direct current stimulation, an emerging technique for treating depression, much cheaper and more versatile than transcranial magnetic stimulation. Fortunately the treatment of bipolar disorder is rapidly advancing, which unfortunately can render books about it obsolete within a few years. Bipolar for Dummies has a wealth of practical tips for dealing with the mood swings of bipolar, the transitions from hospital to home, and issues at work, and a large section is devoted to strategies for helping friends or relatives with bipolar disorder. The book has a great deal of such useful and enduring advice. Robert Fawcett, M.D., author of Calming the Bipolar Storm.
August 31, 2018
Understand the realities of bipolar disorder When one receives the diagnosis that they or a loved one has bipolar disorder, it can be a time of fear and worry. Bipolar Disorder For Dummies, 3rd Edition explains the brain chemistry behind the disease and covers the latest medications and therapies. You'll get reassuring, sound advice and self-help techniques that you and your loved ones, including kids and teens, can use to ease and eliminate symptoms, function in times of crisis, plan ahead for manic or depressive episodes, and feel a whole lot better. This new edition will include new and updated content on genetics, biochemistry, and imaging studies relevant to bipolar, expanded coverage on how to handle the high costs of treatment, and supporting a loved one (who may not want help, medications and treatment options, including DSM-5, ECT, and TMS along with new coverage on special populations (how bipolar affects different groups, like women and various ethnic groups and special populations, like seniors and expectant moms. Bipolar disorder, which has also been called manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual mood swings and shifting energy levels. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can, if not understood and handled properly, wreak havoc on personal and professional relationships. Though bipolar disorder is a serious condition, it's one that can be treated! With a firm understanding of what you're dealing with, you can navigate your way through the challenges of bipolar disorder, whether you or a loved one suffers from this illness. Recognize the warning signs of mania and depression, which may point to bipolar disorder Understand where to find the latest treatment options Stay on track with personal and professional aspects of life Effectively and compassionately respond to rants, depression, mania, and other behaviors associated with bipolar disorder Bipolar Disorder For Dummies, 3rd Edition offers straightforward, reassuring information about bipolar disorder to help you or your loved one conquer the disease.
June 28, 2013
Especially for someone just beginning to go through this, this book, like most of the Dummies books, was a good, if somewhat plodding in a couple of places, introduction. It tends to say the same things, or at least very similar things, in various places because a lot of the things you should look for and do remain the same in various situation. However, there is a lot of value in breaking things down in small parts and going through things methodically. This book does that.
December 29, 2014
This books lays out the basics of bipolar disorder in a very readable way. The cartoons are fun (but not really funny). The personal stories are very interesting and heartening. My only criticism would be that, in spite of the odd paragraph or section specifically about UK, Canada or Europe, it's very much aimed at people using the American mental healthcare services and living under American laws. Well worth reading, though, if you or a loved one suffer from bipolar disorder.
February 20, 2014
Not helpful in the least. It just barely touches on the subject, doesn't offer any real resources on how to get any help for those who suffer from the disorder. It's almost like the old World Book Encyclopedia that would offer you a paragraph of a general statement on the subject you were looking up.
Read
November 19, 2021A friend of mine is bipolar and I wanted to understand more about it. What to do and, more importantly, what not no do. Explanation to this provides a wonderful insight into this complicated illness and how it can be controlled with the correct care and medication.
Recommended if you're not into reading and understanding medical jargon and books.
Recommended if you're not into reading and understanding medical jargon and books.
June 20, 2008
i didn't learn too much here, at least not much that i didn't already know about Bipolar Disorder ... nice though to have it all at one's finger tips ... and of course anything from the "for Dummies" line is lovely.
June 28, 2012
I am having a hard time getting through this. Also some of the stuff suggested is as if the entire audience has the means to do some of these things. Not all of us have that kind of money or things that fall into place that easy.
August 4, 2014
I think this is a great book for those who have Bi-polar and want a clear understand of how it works,medications, and the types of behavior associated with it. Just an easy resource book, very easy to understand.
May 9, 2016
This book was great at educating both the person with bipolar disorder and their loved ones. It is full of information on the whos,whats,and hows of bipolar disorder and ultimately breaks it down in a way that anyone could understand and enjoy.
April 9, 2008
I think this is helpful for those with bipolar disorder
Currently reading
October 28, 2008I've learned that one of my children may be bipolar and I need to get him into the doctor for some testing.
August 12, 2011
Didnt think much of this book. If you have bipolar you prob already know everything in this book because it is so basic. I would recommend, Bipolar disorder the ultimate guide.
August 18, 2014
Eh, decent. A bit repetitive though.
May 27, 2016
Covering the basics
September 14, 2016
very good, however time for an updated, revised ed.
September 16, 2018
I live with bipolar disorder and I learned a lot of very helpful information from this book.
August 30, 2018
Good information! Easy to understand, quite thorough
October 29, 2018
Great guide and information for those suffering from Bipolar Disorder. Also a good read for the family or caretakers of those with Bipolar Disorder.
January 28, 2019
Good book, easy to read with solid info. I was hoping for something a little more uplifting but that's not this books fault. I've got the basics now and know where to head next.
June 8, 2020
A good go to for helping grasp at understanding of bipolar individuals and what that entails
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews