SEBASTOPOL, CA -- Bipolar disorders are psychiatric states
characterized by severe mood swings, from suicidal depression to
elated highs. At least two million people in the US have a
bipolar disorder.
Some of the most famous artists, musicians, politicians, and
writers of our time have been bipolar.
Sadly, so have been a disproportionate number of the inmates in
our juvenile facilities, psychiatric hospitals, and prisons. Up
to twenty percent of persons with bipolar disorder commit suicide
and as many as fifty percent attempt it. Educational failure,
substance abuse, reckless and impulsive behavior, limited job
prospects, legal difficulties, and expensive hospitalizations are
other common outcomes.
With appropriate treatment and support, people can lead highly
successful lives, often taking advantage of the creativity that
is the "flip side" of an otherwise difficult and dangerous
condition.
Adult Bipolar Disorders: Understanding Your Diagnosis & Getting
Help points the way to the range of most effective
treatments and other changes that can support people with bipolar
disorder in leading successful and rewarding lives. Includes
stories from families living with the disorder.
It includes:
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Criteria for diagnosis, a comparison of bipolar disorder to other
conditions, and explanation of the different types of bipolar
disorders
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In-depth look at beneficial medications, talk therapies,
complementary therapies, and lifestyle changes such as modifying
sleep patterns and nutrition
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Tools for living with the disorder: recognizing states,
preventing mood swings, suicide prevention, structuring life to
enhance stability and health
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Minimizing possible effects on: work, sexuality, relationships,
substance abuse
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Extensive resources, including key organizations and programs in
other English-speaking countries
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Accessing best health care and insurance coverage
This book is geared for adult patients with bipolar disorder as well as for
spouses, family members, friends, therapists, and others who need
accurate information.
Press may receive a complimentary copy of this book.
About the Author
Author Mitzi Waltz is an advocate for families facing neurological issues.
She has been heavily involved in online support work, and has also
advocated for special-needs children within the medical, insurance,
and education systems. An author, journalist, and editor for more than
a decade, she has previously written books on childhood/adolescent
bipolar disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and pervasive
developmental disorders (part of the autism spectrum of disorders).
She is currently doing research at the Autism Research Unit in Britain.
About Patient-Centered Guides
Patient empowerment is the core of Patient-Centered Guides. We
believe that people are empowered when they have the knowledge
and skills to partner with their doctor or healthcare provider to
get the best medical care possible.
We publish books that contain clear, concise, easy to understand
information about the medical, practical and emotional aspects of
health issues. Our authors are patient activists, knowledgeable
about specific conditions and diseases, who have built strong and
networked communities of patients, families, and caregivers. In
addition to our books, we publish
in-depth patient information on the web at www.patientcenters.com.
Patient-Centered Guides is a wholly-owned subsidiary of O'Reilly
& Associates, Inc. O'Reilly is recognized worldwide for its
technical books that provide value to people who are experiencing
information pain. O'Reilly publishes books that make a difference
in people's lives.
Adult Bipolar Disorders:
Understanding Your Diagnosis and Getting Help
By Mitzi Waltz
$29.95 US, 384 pages, 7x9", trade paperback
ISBN: 0-596-50010-6
PUBLICATION DATE: March 8, 2002
US Resources for Adult Bipolar Disorders
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National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
Arlington, VA 22201
(800) 950-6264
http://www.nami.org/
NAMI is the largest organization for mentally ill people and
their families in the US. It has state and local chapters around
the country. It sponsors legislation, advocates for mentally ill
people, and provides excellent information via its web site and
publications.
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National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association
Chicago, IL 60610-3526
800-826-3632
http://www.ndmda.org/
This support and advocacy group specifically for people with
depression or bipolar disorders has chapters throughout the US
and an informative web site.
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About Bipolar Disorder
http://bipolar.miningco.com/
This site presents a collection of articles, links, and a
web-based chat group about bipolar disorders.
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Bipolar Planet
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BipolarPlanet/
The Bipolar Planet is a long-lived e-mail discussion list. To
subscribe, visit the web site or send an email message to
BipolarPlanet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
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Bipolar Disorders Information Center
http://www.mhsource.com/bipolar/letter.html
This site includes clinical treatment information, information on
conferences, and the "Bipolar Disorder and Impulsive Spectrum
Newsletter" in PDF format.
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Pendulum Resources
http://www.pendulum.org/
You can find up-to-date information on bipolar disorders here,
with a strong "mental health consumer" orientation.
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WalkersWeb
http://www.walkers.org/
WalkersWeb (also known as Walkers in Darkness) is the home of
several maikling lists geared toward people with bipolar
disorders or depression. It also has excellent links to mental
health sites, its own informational files, and online chat
groups.
