Presents an exploration of the causes, symptoms and treatments of depression and bipolar disorders.

Chapters covering depression and bipolar disorder have been revised and expanded by Dr Stephen M. Stahl for this third edition.

This manual attempts to provide simple, adequate and evidence-based information to health care professionals in primary health care especially in low- and middle-income countries to be able to provide pharmacological treatment to persons with mental disorders. The manual contains basic principles of prescribing followed by chapters on medicines used in psychotic disorders; depressive disorders; bipolar disorders; generalized anxiety and sleep disorders; obsessive compulsive disorders and panic attacks; and alcohol and opioid dependence. The annexes provide information on evidence retrieval, assessment and synthesis and the peer view process.

Seven years ago, John McManamy was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Through his successful Web site and newsletter, he has turned his struggles into a lifelong dedication to helping others battling depression and bipolar disorder reclaim their lives. In Living Well with Depression and Bipolar Disorder, he brilliantly blends the knowledge of leading expert authorities with the experiences of his fellow patients, as well as his own, and offers extensive information on: Diagnosing the problem Associated illnesses and symptoms Treatments, lifestyle, and coping The effects of depression and bipolar disorder on relationships and sex With a compassionate and eloquent voice, McManamy describes his belief that depression is a wide spectrum that reaches from occasional bouts of depression to full-fledged bipolar disorder. The first book to help patients recognize this diversity of the disorder, Living Well with Depression and Bipolar Disorder will help sufferers begin to reclaim their lives.

Responding to the reasons why people often do not recover from mood disorders, this book empowers readers by providing the tools needed to work effectively with doctors and health care providers to negotiate the complex pathway to a full and lasting recovery from depression or bipolar disorder. It explains the three main barriers to recovery—not receiving treatment, incorrect diagnosis, and receiving inadequate treatment—and how to overcome these challenges to ensure successful treatment. A practical book for the layperson, it provides flowcharts and useful forms to help readers determine whether they need help and how best to collaborate with their medical team.

THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON: SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER, GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER, OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER, AND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER.