The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide

People with bipolar illness and their family members and significant others; mental health professionals and students.

David J. Miklowitz, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Semel Institute, UCLA School of Medicine, and Senior Clinical Researcher in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. He directs the Child and Adolescent Mood Disorders Program at UCLA, where he supervises psychiatry and psychology trainees and conducts research on psychosocial interventions for children and adolescents with bipolar disorders. Dr. Miklowitz's numerous publications include the bestselling self-help resource The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide, Third Edition, as well as acclaimed books for professionals, including Bipolar Disorder, Second Edition: A Family-Focused Treatment Approach and, with Michael J. Gitlin, Clinician's Guide to Bipolar Disorder. He has received Distinguished Investigator awards from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, the International Society for Bipolar Disorders, and the Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology.

Introduction: Where Are We Now? I. The Experience and Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder 1. How This Book Can Help You Survive--and Thrive 2. Understanding the Experience of Bipolar Disorder 3. Into the Doctor's Court: Getting an Accurate Diagnosis 4. "Is It an Illness or Is It Me?": Coping with the Diagnosis II. Laying the Foundation for Effective Treatment 5. Where Bipolar Disorder Comes From: Genetics, Biology, and Stress 6. What Medications and Psychotherapy Can Do for You 7. Coming to Terms with Your Medications III. Practical Strategies for Staying Well 8. Tips to Help You Manage Moods 9. Heading Off the Escalation of Mania 10. Halting the Spiral of Depression 11. Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings 12. For Women Only: What You Need to Know about Bipolar Disorder and Your Health 13. Succeeding at Home and at Work: Communication, Problem-Solving Skills, and Dealing Effectively with Stigma 14. "Does My Child Have Bipolar Disorder?": How Would You Know and What Should You Do? Resources for People with Bipolar Disorder