TABLE OF CONTENTS: 1. hope 2. symptoms 3. causes 4. tools 5. human needs 6. preventive maintenance 7. what can i do to help someone who is depressed or high 8. diet 9. faith 10. my recovery.

More than 20 million Americans will suffer an episode of depression or mania during their lifetimes, and one in five American families will feel its impact directly. For these families, Overcoming Depression is the essential resource. Since its first publication in 1987, it has become the book most often recommended by doctors to their depressed patients because it clearly and sympathetically presents state-of-the-art medical information and the solid, practical advice that patients and their families need to participate actively in diagnosis and treatment. Now featuring all-new data on the latest drugs, research, treatment, and medical insurance, it also includes a frank discussion of psychiatric therapy in the era of managed care.

A doctor may understand the symptoms of bipolar disorder and your close friends and relatives may know your manic and depressive phases inside and out, but only you have experienced your bipolar disorder firsthand. This workbook will help you learn how to recognize your mania and depression triggers, develop coping skills for managing symptoms, form more productive partnerships with your healthcare providers, and keep your life in balance as you work toward your goals. The authors' Life Goals Program has already helped hundreds of people with bipolar disorder understand how bipolar works and take charge of their lives. Overcoming Bipolar Disorder makes Life Goals Program techniques available to the public for the first time, giving you the tools you need to create an action plan for symptom management designed specifically for you. You'll also discover how simple changes to your eating, exercise, and sleeping habits can improve your mood and keep symptoms at bay. Overcoming Bipolar Disorder is about more than just medication. New research shows that learning specific skills to manage bipolar disorder can significantly reduce symptoms and help to maintain long-term balance…. It should be an important resource for people living with bipolar disorder and for concerned family members.-Gregory Simon, MD, MPH, psychiatrist and researcher at Group Health Cooperative in Seattle, WA

Bipolar disorder causes extreme behavioral and mood swings. These changes from the highs known as mania to the lows of depression are the reasons why it was often called manic depression in the past. Readers discover this and other essential information about this disorder as they explore its symptoms, causes, and treatments. Through detailed sidebars, quotes from experts, and full-color photographs, readers gain a deeper understanding of bipolar disorder as well as how to support loved ones who face its unique challenges. Readers are given the tools to confront the stigma around bipolar disorder with knowledge and empathy.

Surviving Manic Depression is the most authoritative book on this disorder, which affects more than two million people in the U.S. alone. Based on the latest research, it provides detailed coverage of every aspect of manic depression-from understanding its causes and treatments to choosing doctors and managing relapses-with guidance drawn from the latest scientific information. Drs. Torrey and Knable provide thorough, up-to-date coverage of all aspects of the disease, including a detailed description of symptoms (with many direct descriptions from patients themselves), risk factors, onset and cause, medications (including drugs still in the testing stage), psychotherapy, and rehabilitation, as well as information about how the disease affects children and adolescents. Here too are discussions of special problems related to manic depression, including alcohol and drug abuse, violent behavior, medication noncompliance, suicide, sex, AIDS, and confidentiality. Surviving Manic Depression also includes special features such as a listing of selected websites, books, videotapes, and other resources.

Explains bipolar disorder including its types, diagnosis, and treatment and offers strategies for dealing with this illness in oneself and others.