MOODSTRControl Your Mood – Control Your Life

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WITH A NEW PREFACE BY THE AUTHORIn her bestselling classic, An Unquiet Mind, Kay Redfield Jamison changed the way we think about moods and madness.Dr. Jamison is one of the foremost authorities on manic-depressive (bipolar) illness; she has also experienced it firsthand. For even while she was pursuing her career in academic medicine, Jamison found herself succumbing to the same exhilarating highs and catastrophic depressions that afflicted many of her patients, as her disorder launched her into ruinous spending sprees, episodes of violence, and an attempted suicide.Here Jamison examines bipolar illness from the dual perspectives of the healer and the healed, revealing both its terrors and the cruel allure that at times prompted her to resist taking medication. An Unquiet Mind is a memoir of enormous candor, vividness, and wisdom—a deeply powerful book that has both transformed and saved lives.

In Touched with Fire, Kay Redfield Jamison, a psychiatrist, turned a mirror on the creativity so often associated with mental illness. In this book she turns that mirror on herself. With breathtaking honesty she tells of her own manic depression, the bitter costs of her illness, and its paradoxical benefits: "There is a particular kind of pain, elation, loneliness and terror involved in this kind of madness.... It will never end, for madness carves its own reality." This is one of the best scientific autobiographies ever written, a combination of clarity, truth, and insight into human character. "We are all, as Byron put it, differently organized," Jamison writes. "We each move within the restraints of our temperament and live up only partially to its possibilities." Jamison's ability to live fully within her limitations is an inspiration to her fellow mortals, whatever our particular burdens may be. --Mary Ellen Curtin

Description

Bipolar Disorder affects many more people than just the 2.5 million Americans who suffer from the disease. Like depression and other serious illnesses, bipolar disorder also affects spouses, partners, family members, friends and coworkers. And, according to the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation, 15% of children diagnosed with ADHD may actually be suffering from early-onset of Bipolar Disorder.Bipolar Disorder For Dummies reveals some of the causes and consequences of bipolar disorder, let you in on some crisis survival strategies, and describe ways that friends and family members can support loved ones who have the disease. The book includes an overview of the causes and symptoms of bipolar disorder, explains step-by-step how to obtain an accurate diagnosis, discusses the medications available, and tells what you can and can't do to help someone with the disease. You'll learn:The different categories and potential causes of bipolar disorderHow to select the right mental health specialistManaging employment-related issues brought on because of the disorderHow bipolar disorder affects childrenAdvocating for yourself or a loved onePlanning ahead for manic and depressive episodesSelecting the best medications for you—including alternative "natural" treatmentsHow to survive an immediate crisis situationIdentifying triggers and mapping your moodsComplete with fill-in-the-blanks forms and charts, key web site and email addresses, and first-hand accounts from real people, Bipolar Disorder For Dummies gives you the latest information and self-help strategies you and your loved ones need to help everyone affected feel a whole lot better.

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An essential resource for anyone who has a close relationship with a person who is bipolar This book provides a much-needed resource for family and friends of the more than 5 million American adults suffering from bipolar disorder. From psychotic behavior that requires medication to milder mood swings with disturbing ups and down, this book offers a warm and often humorous user-friend guide for coping with bipolar loved ones, colleagues, and friends. The book includes Guidance for identifying bipolar disorder symptoms and how to get the diagnosis confirmedStrategies for dealing with rants, attacks, blame, depression, mania and other behaviorsCrucial information on medication and its effectiveness and potential side-effectsTechniques for dealing with attempts to self-medicate with drugs and alcoholHow many people with bipolar disorders can care for themselves, get help, feel supported and go on with their own livesThis important book contains real-life illustrative examples and a wealth of helpful strategies and coping mechanisms that can be put into action immediately.

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Thoroughly updated for its Second Edition, this practical guide will aid residents and clinicians in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of mood disorders. Using the conversational style and clinical vignettes found in all Practical Guides in Psychiatry titles, Dr. Ghaemi explains how to accurately diagnose unipolar depression and bipolar disorder and offers specific, detailed, evidence-based recommendations on pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy.Chapters review the pharmacology of all antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics in current use and point out these drugs' advantages and drawbacks in specific clinical situations. Other chapters address clinical problems such as depression, mania, and ADHD in children and the conundrum of schizoaffective disorder. The Practical Guides in Psychiatry series provides quick, concise information for professionals on the front lines of mental health care. Written in an easy-to-read, conversational style, these invaluable resources take you through each step of the psychiatric care process, delivering fast facts and helpful strategies that help you provide effective and compassionate care to your patients.

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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.

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Kiera Van Gelder's first suicide attempt at the age of twelve marked the onset of her struggles with drug addiction, depression, post-traumatic stress, self-harm, and chaotic romantic relationships-all of which eventually led to doctors' belated diagnosis of borderline personality disorder twenty years later. The Buddha and the Borderline is a window into this mysterious and debilitating condition, an unblinking portrayal of one woman's fight against the emotional devastation of borderline personality disorder. This haunting, intimate memoir chronicles both the devastating period that led to Kiera's eventual diagnosis and her inspirational recovery through therapy, Buddhist spirituality, and a few online dates gone wrong. Kiera's story sheds light on the private struggle to transform suffering into compassion for herself and others, and is essential reading for all seeking to understand what it truly means to recover and reclaim the desire to live.

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Mood swings may be a part of your life, but the struggle to control them doesn’t have to dominate it. Together with the right course of medication, The Bipolar Workbook can put you back in control. Dr. Monica Ramirez Basco has assembled a versatile toolkit of proven self-help strategies designed to help you recognize the early warning signs of relapse, resist the seductive pull of manic episodes, and escape the paralysis of depression. Whether you’re new to the diagnosis (and not quite sure it fits) or want to enhance your current treatment, this simple program puts you in charge. Easy-to-follow guidelines and worksheets help you identify problem areas and minimize their impact, including ways to: *Reduce the recurrence and severity of your symptoms.*Slow things down and get the sleep you need when mania strikes.*Keep motivated and avoid procrastination when you’re depressed.*Fine-tune medical treatments to maximize your gains.*Rein in emotional reactions.*Stay focused and achieve your goals. Since every individual’s experience with bipolar disorder is unique, Dr. Basco encourages you to customize a plan that suits your needs. So take charge and make a better life.

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Can you eat yourself into a good mood?For centuries, food has played an important role in health and healing, but what about feeling? Can what you eat really affect how you feel? It certainly can! In fact, certain foods can have a profound affect on the "feel good" chemicals produced by your brain so you really can eat yourself into a good mood.This book shows you how different nutrients affect your mood and gives you the low down on the top "mood boosting" foods as well as some delicious recipes you can use them in. These recipes are easy to make and include ingredients that are easily found in your grocery store. It's never been easier to feel good all day!

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Statistics on the prevalence of perinatal mood disorders suggest that up to 20% of women experience diagnosable pregnancy related mood disorders. This increasing awareness has also resulted in recent legislative and healthcare initiatives to screen, assess, and treat such disorders. But a major barrier to successful implementation of such programs is the lack of available resources to train healthcare professionals in this specialty. This book offers a major resource for healthcare professionals, mental health professionals, and medical, nursing, psychology, and social work students who will be confronting this problem in their practices. The contributions, by renowned experts, fill a glaring gap in the knowledge professionals need in order to successfully manage maternal mental health.