Product Description
"A compassionate exploration of depression and manic-depression."
-- Forecast

"The most thorough and wide-ranging discussion for lay readers about the interplay of the physical and emotional elements of depression and manic-depression... His presentation is illuminating, and the case histories demonstrate his sensitivity and skill as a clinician.... Whybrow's presentation offers a deeper understanding of, along with a humane and wise approach to these very troubling illnesses."
-- Kirkus Reviews ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

candy for the psychopharmacological sweet tooth
Very well written and well researched, this book is cotton candy for anyone with a psychopharmacological sweet tooth.It contains a good deal of information about neuroscience and psychiatry, including some of the historical underpinnings of these fields.I'm guessing that others have compared this with Peter Kramer's Listening to Prozac, and there are some superficial similarities, such as a somewhat philosophical bent.Like Kramer's book, this one also has detailed, very interesting case studies, where the ones in A Mood Apart are probably a bit longer and more detailed.Two case studies that I remember well are those of Claire Dubois and John Moorehead, where both persons are afflicted with significant depression.A major distinction between this book and Listening to Prozac is that the latter was much more explicitly about antidepressants and their philosophical implications.One very mild criticism of A Mood Apart is that I wonder if the author thinks that depression is simply a more extreme variant of ordinary sadness, when I don't think this is the case.Overall, a captivating read that anyone interested in mental health, and mood disorders in particular, will find fascinating and informative.Author of Adjust Your Brain: A Practical Theory for Maximizing Mental Health.

The Best Book on Manic Depression I've Read
Dr. Whybrow demonstrates his extensive knowledge regarding the spectrum of mood disorders in a highly interesting, entertaining, poetic and informative way. Never have I read a book by a doctor that actually humanizes the person and the condition in such depth, exploring the cultural, historical and philosophical/religious aspects of manic depression as well as detailing the intricacies of the effects of sleep, seasonal change, circadian rhythms, and lifestyle on mood. There is the typical discussion of medications, but this book does not focus solely on that as much literature in this realm does. Rather, this book covers nearly every topic worth mentioning in thisextremely well-written, colorful, introspective, and fascinating read.

Informative and enjoyable
This is a well written, informative and even enjoyable book to read on what is in many ways a difficult subject for people. The author discusses the psychological, physiological, and social factors surrounding bipolar disorders and depression and discusses current treatments and how they work. The book is full of a tremendous amount of practical information that should be of use to anyone concerned with this subject.

I myself studied the neurobiology and psychology of emotion and moods in grad school, and I thought I'd make a few more comments there, since we're on the subject, in case anyone finds them useful.

As many people are aware, much of the research up to this point on mood disorders has focused on the serotonin and dopaminergic issues, especially since these chemicals have a profound influence on the limbic system areas and the areas they connect with, such as the temporal, frontal, and prefrontal cortex, which are responsible for emotional behavior and many aspects of personality. It is well established that chemical imbalances and/or damage, such as through trauma and stroke and so on, can cause various syndromes, ranging from mood and emotional disorders to cognitive deficiencies. We still have a lot to learn about all this, but the basic chemical pathways, neurophysiology, and neuroanatomy has been worked out pretty well at this point. We'll be able to make more specific correlations as further progress is made. For example, deficits in long-term motivation (which many people have) have been found to be associated with the nerve pathways connecting the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system.

Some of this research may even be relevant to issues relating to schizophrenia and even the problem of consciousness itself. For example one thing that has become clear in recent decades is that what we call "consciousness" actually results from the integration of separate and diverse brain areas whose functions have to be coordinated in time in order for consciousness to occur,and that when this integration becomes impaired, there are problems. It has been suggested that this by itself could be responsible for schizophrenia. Of course, it remains to be seen if can be treated some way, but again, our understanding of the possible mechanism is continuing to progress.

Another fascinating study I read relating to another aspect of emotional behavior was the finding that 70% of death-row inmates have been found to have abnormal EEGs and brain waves emanating from the amygdala, a structure in that primitive and often nefarious region of our brains known as the limbic system, wherein many of our most basic motivations, drives and needs are controlled--both good and bad.

The amygdala is well known to be involved in aggressive and even homicidal behavior. In one famous case, a formerly quiet, unassuming man developed an amygdalar tumor and went up a tower at the Univ. of Texas back in the early 60s and shot 17 people and wounded 30 others before he was stopped. There are now drugs that treat abnormal electrical activity in the brain, and the hope is that someday they may even be able to detect and prevent situations like this.

For a another fascinating example, take homosexuality, which many people still think is a form of psychopathology. Freud said it was because the boy didn't have a strong father figure, and so doesn't know better. For years homosexuals were treated with psychoanalysis with no effect. Then about 20 years ago, a scientist at Caltech made the amazing discovery that heterosexuals and homosexuals had different neurochemical and anatomical characteristics in one of the limbic areas known as the neurosecretory zone of the preoptic hypothalamic nucleus. In fact, he was able to get animals to display either heterosexual or homosexual behavior by diffusing neurosynaptic chemicals into the preoptic area. So much for the Freudian theory. This research proves that this aspect of our behavior is due entirely to how are brains are wired from birth, and has nothing to do with old notions of psychopathology.

Finally, one of the most fascinating cases I came across was a number of people who had been perfectly normal, but had recently become almost complete "vegetables" and had to be hospitalized. At least so they seemed on the surface. There was nothing wrong with them cognitively, they still had normal reasoning ability and could talk and socialize if they wanted to. They just had no interest in it. They progressively lost interest in their famlies, jobs, friends, everything, and eventually had to be hospitalized.

Finally, it was discovered that these people had amazingly developed an epileptic seizure focus in the orgasm center in the brain. It's been a while since I read the article, but if I remember right, it had the tongue-twisting name of the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis. In any case, it was in one of the somatosensory processing areas in the thalamus, which is a structure just below the cortex but above the limbic system. Although this is technically a form of epilepsy, there are no convulsions associated with this syndrome (just as there aren't in the case of temporal-lobe epilepsy, which, since it occurs in the memory and associational area of the brain, produces intense visions and memories).

Now it was obvious why these people weren't interested in anything else in their lives. They had orgasms that went on for several minutes, and due to the intensity of the electrical discharge, were probably 10 to 100 times as intense as a normal person's orgasms. And they kept having them. Especially the women patients said it was better than anything they could experience before. So they just sat there, waiting, yearning, hoping, for that next "seizure."

Of course, these people don't want to be cured. As for me, I want to know how I can sign up. :-)

Anyway, just a few interesting things to consider relating to our knowledge of the brain and behavior. I realize I departed somewhat from the original focus of mood and emotional disorders, but perhaps you'll find my comments about other areas of the mind and brain informative or at least interesting.

A Review Apart
I whole heartedly agree with all of the other reviews.This book is tremendously insightful.I would like to add that this is not a book solely about bi-polar and manic depression.It is also about unipolar depression.I found that to read about all these types of depression together to be very insightful about my own place amongst all the variations.And this was a very interesting point made by the book that all these types of variables do occur in people without the dehabilitating forms of these illnesses.The form of the illness is not out of the ordinary, so to speak.Excellent book.Layered with insights into biology, psychology, history, genetics, and evolutionary adaptation.

significant contribution
A must for all persons desiring a greater understanding of mood disorder. ... Read more

Product Description
Mood and Anxiety Disorders During Pregnancy and Postpartum earns its important place in the literature by detailing our current understanding of the course, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric illness during pregnancy and postpartum, including breast-feeding—a top priority today because we now know that active maternal psychiatric illness during pregnancy and postpartum can exert long-term negative effects on child development and cause significant morbidity for the mother.

In just five concise richly informative chapters, the nine distinguished contributors to Mood and Anxiety Disorders During Pregnancy and Postpartum dispel prevailing beliefs and offer invaluable guidance in treating women during pregnancy and postpartum:

• Course of Psychiatric Illness During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period—Despite the enduring belief that pregnancy is a time of emotional well-being for women, emerging data show that pregnancy is instead a time of increased vulnerability to psychiatric illness.
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Mood and Anxiety Disorders During Pregnancy—Though the use of psychotropic medications during pregnancy and postpartum raises concerns, the accumulating data support the use of certain SSRIs/tricyclic antidepressants, especially when balanced against the risk to both mother and child of depression during pregnancy.
• Management of Bipolar Disorder During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: Weighing the Risks and Benefits—Although the onset of bipolar disorder (BP) tends to occur during women's reproductive years, surprisingly little is known about the impact of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, breast-feeding, and menopause on the course and treatment of bipolar disorder.
• Postpartum Mood Disorders—Women experience a dramatic increase in their risk of developing severe psychiatric illness during postpartum for a full year after delivery. Often overlooked, postpartum disorders must be identified and treated as early as possible to reduce the mother's risk for recurrent and treatment-refractory illness and the child's risk for long-term development problems due to the detrimental effect of maternal depression.
• Use of Antidepressants and Mood Stabilizers in Breast-feeding Women—This expanded clinical appraisal of the literature on antidepressant and mood stabilizer use in breast-feeding women shows that additional detailed pharmacokinetic investigations are urgently needed to enhance our understanding of nursing infant exposure and the role(s) of pharmacogenomics in determining infant exposure.

Meticulously referenced and remarkably succinct, Mood and Anxiety Disorders During Pregnancy and Postpartum provides critical information about the course of illness during pregnancy and postpartum to help guide effective individualized treatment decisions-decisions that are ultimately based on the patient's wishes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

essential read for all psychiatrist
All psychiatrist will at a time prescribe medications for women in the childbearing age or approaching the child bearing age. This book provides essential facts about prescribing for women, what the current evidence shows and helps in understanding the benefits of certain medications over risk.

The book itself is an easyread and can be easily completed in no time. ... Read more

Product Description

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.

Customer Reviews (3)

Required Reading For Anyone Working in Women's Health
This is an excellent book.Mental health professionals, OB-GYNs, women's health nurses and others don't get near enough training on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.Susan Dowd Stone's book provides the kind of research-based knowledge needed on order for healthcare professionals to provide the proper support to women who may be going through antepartum depression, postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis and related illnesses.

A welcomed, valuable resource!
Perinatal and Postpartum Mood Disorders is an excellent, welcomed addition to this important field of maternal mental health. Written by some of the field's most renowned experts, each book chapter lends a unique view, resulting in a well-rounded picture of these disorders and the approaches which heal them.
--Shoshana Bennett, PhD, former president of Postpartum Support International

A Must-Have for All PPD Providers!
Postpartum depression continues to splash the headlines with dramatic impact.The upside to this is that it significantly increases public awareness, which is always a good thing.The downside is that media exploitation often leads to the perpetuation of misinterpretations and misunderstandings, which can impede treatment and recovery.

Although the availability of PPD self-help books and moving personal accounts continues to expand, books that address issues crucial to healthcare professionals who treat postpartum women has been lacking. Susan Dowd Stone, MSW, a pioneer for support and legislation within the postpartum depression community for some time, and Alexis Menken, PhD, another great PPD authority, provide a solid foundation for a book that fills this critical gap in the literature.Together, with the most respected and expert voices in the PPD community, they have succeeded in creating a must-have resource for any healthcare practitioner who works with pregnant and postpartum women.Those of us who work in this field are eternally grateful to Susan Dowd Stone's dedication and hard work which has paid off in this indispensable resource! ... Read more

Product Description
Research has shown that individuals who exercise regularly have less stress, less anxiety, less depression, and less substance use problems than those who don't. Studies have also shown that exercise can help combat the effects of depression and anxiety.

Designed to be used in conjunction with visits to your clinician, this workbook helps you plan an exercise program and provides strategies for following through with your exercise goals. The workbook is structured to help you prevent mood disturbances from blocking the very activities that can help you feel better. During the course of this program, you will be introduced to some of the situational factors that can interfere with establishing a successful exercise routine. With the help of your therapist, you will learn how to overcome these factors, as well as how to set up your environment so that exercise is successful and rewarding.

In addition to information on how to start and maintain an exercise program, this workbook comes complete with worksheets and logs for scheduling and tracking your physical activity. Strategies for managing your thinking patterns are also provided and will help you boost your motivation and break through barriers to exercise. ... Read more

Product Description
Stop letting out-of-control emotions rob you of a happy, healthy life!

Our moods affect our creativity, our productivity, our ability to be intimate...even how we give and receive love. When we are happy, we create a magnetizing effect, drawing people toward us. Conversely, a bad mood drives everything and everyone far from our lives.

In Change Your Food, Change Your Mood, you have a valuable tool to help you learn how to stabilize your moods simply by changing the foods you eat. Learn how, what, and when to eat for energy, focus, and an uplifted outlook.

Take control of your emotions today with what you have in your refrigerator. Dr. Janet Maccaro shows you how! ... Read more

Product Description
When a person loves someone with bipolar disorder, life can be very stressful. From medication troubles to a partner's mood swings the demands on a partner can be intense. Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder takes a unique and practical approach to these issues.

Written by an author who has bipolar disorder (and who lived with apartner who also has bipolar disorder) and a coauthor with over tenbooks on the topic of mental illness, the book offers specific,practical and realistic tips on how a couple can work together as ateam to create a treatment plan that teaches them to live with theillness while still maintaining a loving and joyful relationship.(Though this book is written for couples, friends and family memberscan use the techniques in the book as well.)

Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder provides hope and encourages couples to work together to create a plan they can use to help stabilize bipolar disorder so that their relationship can focus on love and companionship instead of the illness. Chapters include ideas on how to create a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates medications and supplements, diet, exercise and behavior and lifestyle changes into one practical approach to this very serious illness.The partner of a person with bipolar disorder learns about communicating with their partner when they're ill, getting real about the situation and how to take on other roles in healing besides caretaking. Other specific topics include work and money, emotions, sexual issues and much more. The goal of the book is to help couples create a relationship that is based on support and prevention instead of constant crisis control.Amazon.com Review
Julie Fast and John Preston have written a ground breaking book for couples who want to prevent manic depressive disorder from hijacking their relationship. Fast, a health writer diagnosed with bipolar illness and clinical psychologist Preston are ideal companions. Their innovative ideas will be welcomed by exhausted partners of "bipolar individuals"--whose illness can cause them to alternate between manic and depressed behavior. Once medication has been prescribed, the key is studying the specific ways your partner is effected. This allows couples to develop pro-active strategies for treating and stabilizing mood swings and symptoms, before they develop into full-blown crises. The techniques emphasize prevention, rather than putting out fires.These include understanding the difference between the person and the disease (know when "the bipolar disorder is talking") listing your partner's specific symptoms, identifying the triggers that lead to these symptoms and transforming the "bipolar conversation"The goal of all the tools is to pinpoint early warning signs of a manic or depressive episode and be prepared with a holistic treatment plan.Other segments of the book deal with the work (checkered resumes) and financial problems (spending sprees) created by this illness. The author's ideas are engaging, compassionate and realistic--an oasis of relief and hope. --Barbara Mackoff ... Read more

Customer Reviews (71)

stolen from a library
The book itself is ok. It has very practical tips for how to keep bi-polar individuals stable and really encourages a lot of communication and planning between the partners. Everything in this book can also be applied to a relationship between two "regular" individuals and would improve those relationships as well. The book is worth a read. Having said all that, I ordered a used copy of this book and what arrived in the mail had been stolen from a library in California.

A very helpful book
This book is excellent and has made a difference to the relationship I have with my mother. I can tell that she has taken on board the advice given as now instead of fuelling an irrational outburst, she is able to bring me back to being in control very quickly.

I'm not a bad person and this book has helped me and her to recognise this. I am also able to help myself a lot more now.

As a side note, these are some things you should never say to someone during an episode:

'get to the doctor because your medication is obviously not working'
'grow up / stop behaving like a child'
'you are crazy / insane'
'you are being stupid / silly / irrational / making no sense'
'i cannot deal with you right now'
'make an effort'

FABULOUS book
I have bipolar. My sister has bipolar. We both love this book. We have each marked up our books. My sister has given hers to my mom who is learning about her daughters' illness. For anyone who wants to know about bipolar. It's put simply and in a loving manner. I have a bipolar book collection now and this is one of my 2 favorites. My other favorite is The Up and Down Life by Paul E. Jones. A very REAL book. He says it how it is.

If you want to do something
It seems a good book that shares ideas about what you can do if you want to help someone you love with bipolar disorder, a cronic illness. It was writen by a bipolar and a doctor.

Very Informative
I have recently fallen head over heels in love with a man who suffers from bipolar disorder.I have done some research on BD over the past year because I have been involved with the Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research (www.seancostellofund.org), but nothing could have prepared me for being in a relationship with someone with this disorder.After a bad episode, I went online to see if I could find some guidance and I was led to this book.Wow!This book has really opened my eyes and helped me to learn different techniques to help my boyfriend when his symptoms start.I recommend this book for anyone who has a partner with BD.It will help you to cope with the mood swings. ... Read more

Product Description

Take control of your symptoms--and take charge of your life

If you're dealing with bipolar disorder, you already know that it’s more than a cycle of “ups” and “downs.” You may also have difficulty with depression and irritability, as well as problems with weight gain, memory, and fatigue. Dealing with these day-to-day problems can sometimes seem like too much to bear. Drawing on the latest research in bipolar disorder, stress, and health, this step-by-step guide offers a complete selection of livable, workable solutions to manage bipolar disorder and helps you:

• Identify your symptoms
• Explore your treatment options
• Stabilize your moods
• Sharpen your mind
• Achieve your goals

This isn't a one-size-fits-all guide. It's a uniquely personal approach to your bipolar disorder that covers the full spectrum of the disease and its symptoms. You'll be able to find successful ways to regulate your moods, relieve your stress, improve your thought processes, and break the bipolar cycle--for a happier, healthier life.

Customer Reviews (14)

Extremely helpful !
This book has been a great guide for me & my husband.My husband was recently diagnosed with Bipolar.The symptoms he was experiencing weren't the "typical" ones that come to mind when you hear the term bipolar. After reading this book, we have been able to identify several symptoms that indicate where he's headed, as well as triggers.The symptoms of Bipolar II, NOS, are not as extreme and therefore can go on undetected. This is an excellent resource for those recently diagnosed & have softer bipolar disorder.Also great for loved ones who want to understand the disorder.

Wonderful Book
I was just diagnosed with Bipolar II. I went to two libraries and cleaned them out of bipolar books. Some were helpful and encouraging, but still left me wanting more. Then I read Break the Bipolar Cycle. In its pages, I recognized so much of what I've been feeling and dealing with over the past 7 months! It also helped me understand what's happening to me mentally, physically, and psychologically and how to deal with it. As soon as I finished reading it, I called my parents and told them to get a copy...that it would help them understand what I'm going through. I'm also going to purchase a copy for myself so I can refer to it and use the exercises throughout the future.

While I'm new to this illness and have lots of research and work to do, I know this book will be an outstanding resource for myself, my family, and my friends.

Excellent Resource
Break the Cycle of Bipolar Disorder provides an excellent overview of the disorder along with its related symptoms (which go beyond mood). As a school psychologist I found it useful in helping me understand and support students with the diagnosis. As a parent I found it useful in helping me see mood disorders from the perspective of the person experiencing them. Discussions of anxiety, stress, memory, emotion, information processing, etc. show the many facets of the illness but also provide strategies for coping with the disease and minimizing its effects. The book does assume the individual is under a doctor's care and on a medication regimen (which is likely true for many with the diagnosis) but also provides good information for those with milder difficulties. I ended up with a lot of notes and thoughts about how to identify triggers, reduce stressors, and support someone within the milder range of the BPD spectrum.

Break the Cycle
Arrived in a short time and is very helpful.Is in better condition than described.Would order from this company again.

Wonderful Book!
This is a wonderful book. I have such a greater understanding of my illness now. The book is helping me go through the ups and downs and see light at the end of the tunnel. I definitely recommend this book foer people suffering from bipolar or families of bipolar illness sufferers! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (31)

excellent resourse
this workbook clearly has input from bipolar patients. if you suffer from bipolar disorder, this workbook will help you track changes in behaviour. i thought it provides good guidance, with ideas to help you eventually be able to reduce the severity of your mood changes.i have already recommended it.

Workbook overview

The workbook could have given more examples of behavior that is manic and or depressed.There were an awful lot of referrals to different pages in the book without a lot of explanation.It would probably work best in conjunction with a therapist.

working at it
Book arrived very fast and in great shape.It is okay.It just requires a lot of work on the part of the person with bipolar, especially at a time when it is difficult for that person to focus on anything.Definately requires the use of someone to help the bipolar person.The outsider can see things sooner. Could be a good help to someone with help.

Most helpful book for those with bipolar.
Genuinely useful and helpful book. Guides you through exercises using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and leads you to a better understanding as to why the moods occur and how to help to make them less severe. Once the worksheets are all filled in, you have the best tools right in front of you to help with future depression and mania written by the person who knows the most about you: you.

Helpful for you and family
As a clinical social worker I have given this book to several clients as well as my own adult son.It has been useful for them as well as their families in understanding Bipolar Disorder as a diagnosis and goes on to be very helpful in planning life strategies for success.The book does convey that medication is a necessity for success which can turn some people off but it provides plenty of concrete coping skills for other ways to manage moods.Family members find it helpful to understand and provide more appropriate support to their loved one.It is easily readable and the guide at the beginning gives you an idea of what to read to meet you where you are currently in your understanding and beliefs about Bipolar.It directs you clearly about use of the workbook format and tools.Definitely recommend this. ... Read more

Product Description
The personal memoir of a manic depressive and an authority on the subject describes the onset of the illness during her teenage years and her determined journey through the realm of available treatments. Reprint. 125,000 first printing. NYT. Amazon.com Review
In Touched withFire, Kay Redfield Jamison, a psychiatrist, turned a mirror onthe creativity so often associated with mental illness. In this bookshe turns that mirror on herself. With breathtaking honesty she tellsof her own manic depression, the bitter costs of her illness, and itsparadoxical benefits: "There is a particular kind of pain,elation, loneliness and terror involved in this kind of madness.... Itwill never end, for madness carves its own reality." This is oneof the best scientific autobiographies ever written, a combination ofclarity, truth, and insight into human character. "We are all, asByron put it, differently organized," Jamison writes. "Weeach move within the restraints of our temperament and live up onlypartially to its possibilities." Jamison's ability to live fullywithin her limitations is an inspiration to her fellow mortals,whatever our particular burdens may be. --Mary Ellen Curtin ... Read more

Customer Reviews (378)

The Kindle edition of *An Unquiet Mind*
The book itself is deeply moving and informative but the e-book production is disappointing.There are countless typos of all sorts in the text, usually more than one on practically every page.The Hardcover edition was carefully presented by the publisher, but they apparently didn't care about the quality of the electronic version.I would still purchase the Kindle version because of Jamison's riveting story.But it makes one appreciate publishers who care how their books are presented.FIVE stars for Jamison; minus one star for the typos from the publisher.

Excellent Insight of BP!
This is an excellent insight of a person with manic depression/Bipolar Disorder.The author is an exceptional writer as well as a very intelligent person.This helped me to gain an insight into the mind of relatives I know with BP.I want to thank the author for taking the time and effort to write this book.THANK YOU!

An Unquiet Mind
Have read excerpts from this book previously, and it was good to find the entire book.

Hopefully, it will help a newly diagnosed Bipolar woman, to know she has a great deal of company with this disorder.

BFJ, Atlanta, GA

Good book with too many typos.
Excellent information in this book for families of bipolar sufferers though a little poetic for my tastes.This Kindle version had dozens of typos.Absolutely unacceptable.Very distracting.

An Unquiet Mind
This book was startling, unsettling but insightful into the mind of a woman who deals with bipolor disorder.I had to put it away at times and come back to it because I felt such sympathy for the author having to go through what she did in life.I lent it to a friend who's daughter is bipolar. ... Read more

Product Description
Every day can be an ordeal for families struggling with the difficult, moody, "impossible" behavior that may point to childhood depression or bipolar disorder. Effective help for kids does exist, but it often requires a customized combination of medication, therapy, coping skills, and support. From esteemed clinician and researcher Dr. Mary Fristad and fellow treatment expert Dr. Jill Goldberg Arnold, this indispensable book explains how treatment works and what additional steps parents can take at home to help children with mood disorders--and the family as a whole--improve the quality of their lives. Explained are why symptoms look so different (and can be so much harder to manage) in children and teens than in adults, how to find the right doctor or therapist, and how to help kids develop their own "coping toolkits." Bursting with practical tools, FAQs, and examples, the book covers everything from dealing with medical crises to resolving school problems, sibling conflicts, and marital stress.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Informed, humane, experienced advice
This book is so well informed and engagingly written that I read it in a way I almost never read `advice' books: start to finish. It begins by dispelling the myths that keep moody children from getting help, moves to identifying different problems and their severity, and then lays out recent research as to the causes of disorders. Parts II and III discuss getting treatment ("Who are the players in the system?" is a particularly useful section for the uninitiated, as are sections on managing medication and making the right judgment about therapy) and "Helping Your Child to Cope"--sixty pages of clear and humane advice. (This section includes everything from understanding the law regarding educational services to managing dire crises.) Part IV addresses the affect that mood disorders can have on a family, once again offering practical suggestions that are never without the conceptual rigor that drives the book. Engaging examples of children who seem like real human beings, not specimens, are put forward in every chapter. The authors' thirty years of collective experience in working with families shows.

My favorite section is found in Chapter Five, "Getting the Big Picture." After having shown the main difficulties in sorting out a child's mood problems, the authors suggest some "rules to live by." Given how complicated mood disorders can be, you might wonder how the general "rules" here could be correlated to the "problems." Here is an example. "As you learned in Chapter 4, children's mood disorders often come with associated problems or co-occuring disorders. Families we've worked with have found it helpful to think about their problems as falling into separate `piles.'" The authors then give examples of children with more than one problem and explain how these can be best managed by distinguishing them. "One pile may be left alone in a corner until other piles are dealt with." We do this (and fail to do this) all the time in other spheres of life. Have you ever burnt something on the stove because you're talking on the phone? In the world of emotion, however, multi-tasking becomes more treacherous. The problems of a disturbed child will seem overwhelming unless you learn how to look at each problem separately. The authors have a gift for teaching parents how to break things down without losing a sense of the child as a whole person.

Julia Brown

Raising a Moody Child is no easy task
This book was helpful in describing different types of biploar disorders.
It also described how people have adjusted to and accepted the mood swings their children go thru while dealing with medication trial and errors. Every child is different and there is no cut and dried "recipe" for bipolarity treatment.
It was most helpful for me in deciding to purchase this book to "look inside" the book. Being able to view the table of contents and an excerpt from the book helped me decide if this book was the help I was looking for. And it was.
The book also described how the entire family is affected and their involvment in the solutions, which I found to be helpful to know we were not alone in our struggles.

Wow!Someone else understands us completely!
I just bought this book and received it yesterday, and it's already making an impact in my life.I can't believe that someone else's family has gone through exactly what we're going through with one of our kids.I'm looking forward to getting a lot of help and great ideas from this book, and hoping to learn to cope better with my moody child, without so many feelings of guilt in the process.

A Must Read
Although The Bipolar Child had great insight as to why my child was diagnosed ADHD at 6 and then rediagnosed Bipolar at age 14, I found this book to be extremely helpful as to what needs to follow now that my son is Bipolar.I have to agree with one of the other reviews written, that this book contains information parents are "assumed" to already know, when in fact, we do not.If you have a child suffering from Bipolar or depression, I highly recommend reading this book.

Great book for parents.
I work as an inpatient clinician on a child/adolescent unit.This book answers the questions and gives the guidance I am frequently asked for.Clearly it is a book that was written by very knowledgable professionals who have a compasionate understanding for what the overwhelmed parents of these children need. It is clearly written and full of practical advice and useful tools. I strongly recommend it for anyone with a child/teen with a mood problem.If you know one of these parents-buy it as a gift for them-they are probably too busy dealing with their life to get it for themselves. ... Read more

Product Description

Filling the needs of today's women, we offer the next 4 titles in the best-selling Women of Faith series.

These topical guides deal with issues that women wrestle with today, such as friendship, encouragement, managing moods, finding contentment, and how to live out your faith.

Reaching an audience across racial, socio-economic, denominational, and age boundaries, these guides will enhance the lives of women as they empower them in their weekly devotions. The study guides can be used for both individual and group settings.

Women are asking good questions about their faith. With our study guides, we want to join them in their quest for knowledge and lead them in finding the answers they are seeking.

The Study Guide Series will include the following:

• #5 Managing Your Moods – Foreword by Marilyn Meberg

ISBN: 0-7852-5151-0

• #6 Cultivating Contentment– Foreword by Luci Swindoll

ISBN: 0-7852-5152-9

• #7 Encouraging One Another– Foreword by Nicole Johnson

ISBN: 0-7852-5153-7

• #8 A Life of Worship– Foreword by Sheila Walsh

ISBN: 0-7852-5154-5

Customer Reviews (5)

Cotton Candy Concordance Bingo
Studying God's Word is NEVER a waste of time, but studying this particular book felt like eating cotton candy - a lot of fluffy sweetness, but in the end, nothing of substance, not whatsoever.

It really seems as though the authors decided beforehand what they wanted to say about moods and moodiness, and then they just played "concordance bingo," looking up key words about different human feelings and jotting down Bible verses no matter how out of context or irrelevant.For instance, the book contains an entire chapter about "feeling scattered."This really is not an emotion that the Bible itself ever directly addresses, so the authors just took random verses that contained the word "scatter" (or "scattered") and then gerrymandered questions to fit.

What made this study feel even more pointless was how the book made so many artificial distinctions.The chapter about "feeling scattered" was followed by another chapter about "feeling mixed up."Both chapters used random Psalms and various Proverbs twisted completely out of context to support the authors' approaches for dealing with these supposedly different moods.Yet most of us would be hard-pressed to figure out how being "scattered" isn't a whole lot different than being "mixed up," and often, "scattered" people are at the same time "mixed up."Go figure.

The worst aspect of this book was how, when the authors apparently couldn't find Scripture passages that actually addressed their preconceived notions of what they wanted to say, they then turned to "The Message" paraphrase and other "translations" like the New Century Version for "Biblical" support for their ideas.On several occasions, the authors would quote passages from "The Message."These passages actually said something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT in more literal, reliable translations such as the New King James, English Standard Version, or even the New International Version.It got to be almost a given that if they quoted from "The Message," the verses they were using would have little to do with the topic at hand if one were to read them from the NKJV or the NIV.As someone who believes that God meant for us to honor His Word by sticking to what it actually says, rather than a human being's (i.e. Eugene Peterson's) IDEAS about what the Bible says, this heavy use of paraphrases really troubled me, especially because the topics themselves - these various supposed "moods" - already were so far afield from specific subjects that the Bible actually addresses.

If I had to guess, I'd say that the "Women of Faith" organization's editors came up with the concept for a book about moods, and this concept was then handed to a couple of writers who were under major time constraints, so they hastily brainstormed a list of different "moods" that they'd experienced.They then took this list and attempted to turn it into a Bible study by searching out "fitting" quotes from Scripture.

Therefore, what this book really amounts to is a study of the authors' thoughts, NOT a "Bible study." If a group wants to get together to read a nice-enough book about moods that does contain some wisdom and a whole lot of random, disconnected Bible verses, this book is OK.But if you want to actually study God's Word to help you "manage your moods," you'd be better off just reading the Psalms and asking God to teach you by yourself.

Collection of opinions
Approximately 20 copies of this study guide were purchased for our church's womoen's group.This group collectively found the study guide useful, interesting, and worth the small cost.Additional books in the series will probably be purchased.

A good subject for working women.
I needed an easy woman's bible study for summer that would allow for it to be completed during a lunch hour.I started this one at my office 3 weeks ago and it has been well-received by the ladies who come for bible study.I love how it is written, and I especially like how organized it is as far as searching scripture when you are doing your lesson.

Although it isn't a hard study, there is a leaders guide in the back of the workbook so if we are stuck on a question we can refer to the answer. I also enjoy the weekly, imaginary "Trinkets to Treasure"and had fun finding the items to display as our reminders.

I plan to continue on with the Woman of Faith Study Guide Series and have already decided on which one. "Encouraging One Another".

Great study book
Our women's group of 9 are enthused about this book.It is showing us great, God-given tools for "managing our moods".It has lots of Bible verses to look up, and the comments by the Women of Faith are personal and encouraging.We also like the Leaders Guide in the back, for adding to our own comments on the study questions.

Maybe it's just me...
Perhaps I'm used to Bible studies that dig deeper into scripture, but I felt I was trying to discuss partial truths.We never stayed on one verse long enough to discuss its full meaning,let alone the context of what was around it.I enjoyed being with a group of women once a week, but I'd rather spend my hour on a more in-depth study.There are no questions that spark discussion of different ways of looking at a thought, a value, or an insight.I can't grow if everyone agrees on everything!This felt like a surface-skimmer to me. ... Read more

Product Description
Millions of individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness also suffer from an equally powerful substance use disorder.If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with dual disorders, this book can help. Addiction and Mood Disorders: A Guide for Clients and Families is designed primarily to educate individuals with dual disorders and their families about mood and addictive use disorders.It not only gives a message of hope, but also provides practical suggestions on ways to manage these disorders.The author provides guidelines and strategies for recovery from dual disorders based on, and adapted from various treatments that have proven effective for addiction, mood disorders, or both.This book is filled with case examples that show growth and positive change, as well as the difficulties many individuals struggling with a dual diagnosis face.Advocating a recovery model in which the affected individual takes responsibility for getting the most out of professional treatment and self-help programs, this book shows that being an active participant is the key to getting the most out of your recovery. This book is for use not only by those individuals who suffer from addiction and mental illness, but also by their family, friends, and other members of their support system. Professionals who work with these individuals will find this book to be a useful guide in their clinical work as well. ... Read more

Product Description

Neuroprotection is a novel perspective for the treatment of disorders that lead to neurodegeneration and disabilities as a result of deterioration of neurons due to apoptosis, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and other mechanisms. These mechanisms have implications not only for neurodegenerative disorders, but also for schizophrenia, mood and cognitive disorders. The purpose of this book is to provide an up-to-date overview of basic and clinical studies concerning the neuroprotective approach, mechanisms, and several compounds with neuroprotective properties that may contribute to more efficacious treatment of major mental health disorders.

The book is divided into two sections. The first section serves as an introduction and overview of conceptual issues of the neuroprotective approach, and some neurobiological advances. Chapters in this section review definitions, perspectives, and issues that provide a conceptual base for the rest of the book. In addition, this part includes chapters in which the authors present and discuss the findings from basic studies of neurodegenerative mechanisms that are associated with the pathogenesis of major mental health disorders. The second section focuses on findings obtained from clinical trials with neuroprotective compounds, and neuromodulatory techniques. The take-home message is that principles of the neuroprotective approach may be applied to treatment of schizophrenia, mood and cognitive disorders. Contributors to this book are among the most active investigators and clinicians in the field who provide new perspectives not only clarifying ongoing controversies but also propose diverse aspects and new insights to neuroprotection.

This book is intended for a broad readership, which includes a broad spectrum of readers including neuroscientists, psychiatrists, neurologists, pharmacologists, clinical psychologists, general practitioners, geriatricians, graduate students, and policy makers in the fields of mental health.

Product Description

Thoughts and Feelings adapts the powerful and widely adaptable techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) into a set of tools readers can use, not to solve a particular problem, but to overcome any of the emotional and behavioral changes that life throws their way. CBT recognizes that most negative feelings arise from confused, irrational thoughts. By learning to identify and change these thoughts and by replacing destructive and limiting behaviors with new, more constructive ones, readers can start steering their lives in the direction they want to go.

Customer Reviews (25)

Good book, but not for Kindle
Other reviewers have dealt well reviewing the book, so I will comment only on it's format for Kindle.It's not acceptable.There is no Table of Contents.There are no links.None.There are several charts which don't work at all.And the style of the book, with no separations or inconsistent separations between paragraphs, is very unpleasant and crowded.

If you are willing to work around those problems, the material in the book may be helpful.I am considering returning this because I believe it is unwise to give economic incentive to producers of poorly adapted e-books, especially considering the limitations of e-books.

Excellent
I purchased the book in "used" condition for far less than the sale price if I had bought it new. It arrived quickly and looked like it was brand new and had never been opened. I was thoroughly pleased with the condition of the product.

A Useful Workbook
My therapist suggested that I get Thoughts and Feelings, and so I did.It's a workbook based on cognitive behavioral therapy, which it briefly discusses in the opening chapter.Its 21 chapters are dedicated to different emotions and gives readers ways to confront their thoughts and emotions, understand them, and work through them for a positive outcome.I think it's very useful either for people who adhere to the tenents of this school to psychology or for those who don't know anything about it.For example, the chapter Coping with Panic begins with describing what this disorder is.Then, the chapter moves through several phases: Symptom Effectiveness, Time for Mastery, and Insructions divided in four steps.The four steps take the reader through understanding what panic is, learning how to use breath control to reduce panic, learning how to "restructure" thoughts through examing probability outcomes (a work chart is used for this process), and desensitizing oneself to overcome the problem (again, charts are used to follow the process). Throughout the chapter several examples are used so that readers can better understand the exercises and outcomes.Finally, the chapter concludes with "Special Considerations" in case the reader has difficulties during the exercises and afterward.Each chapter is structured in the same way and methodically takes the reader through the process of identifying and overcoming the problem presented.I've never worked with a book like this, but I think it's a valuable tool to accompany therapy sessions, giving, in a sense, homework that reinforces what is learned or discussed in sessions.It would also be a useful tool for someone to use independently because of its clear explanations along the way, the tight structure of the chapters' exercises, and the examples related to each process. The language throughout is down-to-earth, not "psychobabble," and not speaking over the readers' heads.The writing style is crisp and clear, and people will have no trouble understanding anything discussed along the way.Although I don't wholeheartedly subscribe to cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, I believe that it's a useful method for gaining insight into how one thinks and why and how one can make positive changes in thinking and feeling.I'd highly recommend the book for anyone seeking help with troubled thinking, either as a companion to therapy or as a tool to work with alone.

A classic guide
This book helps us recognize the power of negative thinking and how we can take charge instead of being a victim. I find that this approach perfectly complements mindfulness meditation, which is highly recommended for cultivating balance in relation to thoughts and feelings. I also recommend 'The Path of Mindfulness Meditation' available through Amazon.

Thoughts & Feelings
Thoughts & Feelings is a fantastic, easy-to-read self-help workbook utilising the principles of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of psychotherapy that has been extensively researched and validated for a range of mental health problems and is considered to be the treatment of choice for many disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

Thoughts & Feelings contains chapters dedicated to common problems such as coping with panic, worry control, depressive thinking, overcoming phobias, controlling anger and relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific topic and contains some useful background information plus loads of exercises to help the reader deal with the problem. The workbook contains activity pages that the reader can write on to undertake the activity or exercise.

I would recommend this workbook for anyone wanting to overcome the specific problems that are the central features of this book, namely depression, anxiety, phobias, worry, anger, stress and panic.

I would also recommend this book to CBT therapists to use with their clients as the authors use jargon-free and easy-to-read language that clients with no prior knowledge of CBT would easily understand. As such, the workbook will aide therapists in explaining the CBT model to cleints. Furthermore, the activities are great at tackling the core thoughts that are believed to maintain common client problems such as depressionn or anxiety. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

The best psychopharmacology guide available
The author exhibits a rare quality for an academic in medicine, honesty. While most psychopharmacology texts contain the usual Big Pharma talking points,Ghaemi is not afraid to speak the truth. For example, when discussing the STAR D study results he states the truth; SSRIs,and SNRIs are barely more effective than placebo. He also has the honesty to accurately describe Olanzapine as "not a mood stablizer" despite FDA approval. Ghaemi does has some lapses in his otherwise very logical honest review of psychopharmacology for mood disorders. For example, he uses very convoluted logic , in an effort to make the point Neurontin still might be effective as a psychotropic. Overall, this book is excellent

they sent the wrong book
The second edition of this book was ordered the first edition, now well out of date was sent.

An exceptionally concise and coherent handbook
An exceptionally concise and coherent handbook which would appear to leave no room for misinterpretation or misdirection in the course of clinician reaching the diagnosis of a mood disorder. In particular, the full bipolar spectrum is propounded magnificently and with great clarity. This is a manual which is written for a professional audience, and therefore I believe the educated lay-reader will benefit significantly from reading this material over any similarly oriented mainstream press. I have, personally, found this book extremely helpful, and I would recommend it wholeheartedly as the most practical and readable book I have ever encountered on the subject of mood disorders.

Updating treatment
Dr. Ghaemi is one of the foremost researchers, along with Goodwin, in the area of bipolar disorder.While this book is aimed at the professional audience, it is filled with nuggets of practical information, and provides the patient with an understanding of a rational approach to the treatment of bipolar disorder, including drugs, dosing, side effects, and psychotherapeutic treatment.It is concise and to the point. ... Read more

Product Description

Seventeen million people in the United States suffer from clinical depression, and more than fifty million people find themselves in prolonged emotional lows. Now, for every sufferer, there is hope. Not only are effective counseling methods available to treat depression, but also researchers have made great strides in understanding the chemical makeup of the brain. Mood Swings helps readers understand the causes of bipolar-related disorders--and find effective ways to treat the problem, recover the joy they've lost, and return to a far more normal, balanced perspective on life. The doctors discuss the extremes and the in-betweens of depression, and show how the highs and lows of uncontrollable mood swings trap the sufferer in a cycle of dysfunction.Mood Swings offers hope to everyone who suffers depression and helps those who love them understand and treat this troubling problem.

Customer Reviews (7)

Too religious...
I bought this book because the consumer reviews were quite positive and because it seemed to fit the self-help profile I was looking for. I was disappointed to discover after reading only a few pages, God, the Lord, and spirituality became such a large part of the material. Had I known that there would be discussion of God in helping understanding emotional problems, I would not have purchased....Just a fair warning to the non-religious or non-believers.

mood swings
It was a very precise and imforming book for what I needed.Written very good,and understandable.

Didn't expect preaching about God from a psychiatrist.
This book is riddled with references to God, church, and the Bible.That isn't really my cup of tea, and I was very surprised - there wasn't anything about a religious basis on the outside of the book.And I'm not so sure about their claim that all depression is caused by being stuck in a stage of unresolved grief.

Easy to understand
I bought this book on an impulse. I have family with ADD and manic depression. I read through the book in 2 days, because it was so easy to read and understand. The author does a lot of explaining that makes sense to me and it fits my family members who suffer from depression. This book turned a light on in my brain as to the "why, who and how comes" of depression. I am buying more of these to give as gifts. I recommend this to those who have loved ones who suffer and for those who suffer the pain of depression. It's not a cure, it's a door being opened.

An Excellent Resource for Professionals and Laymen!
This book is written with the Christian in mind.People who struggle with mood swings will find a wealth of information and ideas on how to approach the problem.A terrific book that will make a great addition to any library! ... Read more

Product Description
Caffeine. Candy. Sex. Shopping. Smoking. Whether we realize it or not, all of us have strategies for medicating ourselves when we feel threatened or overwhelmed by tension or tiredness. In this fascinating book, nationally known psychologist Robert E. Thayer serves as an expert guide through the latest research into moods and mood management, offering proven techniques for putting today's most important breakthroughs to work in our day-to-day lives. Thayer evaluates the hard scientific evidence as he reveals which behaviors energize and empower us, and which sabotage our best interests. He argues that when we learn to see moods as vital barometers of our whole psychology and physiology, rather than mysterious, purely emotional reactions to events around us, we not only understand ourselves better, we have the opportunity to substantially improve our personal effectiveness, both mentally and physically.

Thayer offers compelling evidence that our moods--particularly feelings of energy and tension--are closely tied to the rhythms of our evolutionary past. They are directly affected by our health, the food we eat, the amount of sleep we get, exercise (or lack of it), and the time of day.

Far from a shallow quick-fix book, The Origin of Everyday Moods is an in-depth exploration of the origins and influences of moods that affect us every day of our lives. It brings readers to a new understanding of the underlying biology of their daily cycles of energy and tension, and offers powerful recommendations for breaking self-destructive habits and leading a richer, more enjoyable life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Good Book
This book was written to appeal to the masses. It is a very easy to read book and can be understood. It covers Thayer's explanation of how to regulate moods in a positive way as well as his theory of everyday moods and mood regulation.

An excellent book for both laypersons and scholars.
This book is written by one of the foremost experts in the area of the study and theory of moods.Dr. Thayer's pioneering research in this area extends over a period of two decades.The book itself offers a scientific understanding of mood and arousal. It is rich in ideas as well as practical approaches to mood self regulation. In particular it presents a sophisicated but understandable theory of moods.The practical side of the book and one that appeals most to the average individual involves a framework, based on empirical research, on how to manage one's moods in order increase personal energy and calmness. This book contains very useful activities to assist in mood self regulation and self understanding.

Great read on a fascinating subject: moods
I just couldn`t stop reading once I got started. Thayer`s concept of howand why moods occur is not only easy to understand but also absolutelyplausible. So much so that I've tried out a few things and found they work. It doesn`t mean that I go on 5-minute brisk walks every time I feel low,but since now I know (most of the times) where that feeling comes from itseems a lot less disturbing.

Learn the two things that affect EVERYONE's feelings...
Robert Thayer's book has enlightened me to the one area I have neverunderstood, good and bad feelings.He explains how two things, Tension,and Energy, result in you're being upset, happy, content, crabby, anddepressed.Read how you can change your moods by having an awareness ofhow high tension and low energy levels affect you.One of the best booksI've every read that has changed my life for all time!

Is this something new?
Okay. Exercise, get enough sleep and eat properly.This book took toomany pages to tell us the same old thing! ... Read more

Product Description
The Natural Medicine Guide to Bipolar Disorder,an innovative and inspiring book on natural medicine treatments for a healthy mind, is about healing bipolar, not merely enduring it. Within these pages, medical journalist Stephanie Marohn explores the key contributing factors and triggers for mood disorder and profiles a range of effective, nondrug-based approaches that can truly restore health. Treating the underlying imbalances, rather than suppressing the outer symptoms (as most drugs do), leads to lasting recovery. And only by considering the well-being of the mind and spirit as well as the body can comprehensive healing take place. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Was hoping it would have a plan of action
While seemingly well researched and informative, it was vague regarding a plan of action, though the author did a good job. This book was more set up to provide a compilation of different avenues to try and/or pick and choose from rather than setting forth a plan or providing guidance for formulating a plan. I have since been reading about omega 3 and bipolar. I am trying that.

Really good book
I loved the book because it gave many different alternatives to taking meds for bipolar disorder, but it didn't condone eliminating meds altogether without the help or guidance from your physician.It was very easy to read and comprehensive.

Excellent Book
I found this book to be a detailed, thorough examination of the causes and cures of Bipolar Disorder. The book breaks down chapters into causes, including environmental, and includes several treatment options. Options include:

-Biological Medicine
-Biochemical Treatment
-Amino Acids
-Cranial Osteopathy
-Allergies
-Homeopathy
and even a perspective on Shamanism.

This is the most informative singular guide that I have read regarding Bipolar Disorder.

jezabel114
This book is a must have for everyone.While the book talks about bipolar, it is also applicable to other mental/emotional imbalances and absolutely for those who consider themselves "normal" and want to stay healthy throughout their life. I can't recommend this book enough.It is a true treasure.

Amazing news about Bipolar!
This book really explains how your nutritionally deficient body contributes to your bipolar and maybe even be causing it. ... Read more