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57 of 58 found the following review helpful:
 New Hope offers an excellent introduction to a complex topic Oct 06, 2000
By Janet Hale Tabin
A collaboration of three writers, New Hope for People With Bipolar Disorder speaks to a broad audience. Coming from three perspectives, the book sometimes speaks *to* the bipolar sufferer and sometimes speaks *for* the afflicted individual or family. While providing advice to the manic-depressive, to people in intimate relationships with manic-depressives (parents and spouses) and to friends, acquaintances and colleagues of manic-depressives, the book also makes appeals to the medical profession and other service providers, to the insurance industry and to the general public.Speaking to the individual suffering from bipolar disorder or related afflictions, three chapters on the biological and medical aspects serve as an up-to-the-moment primer for the lay person. A solid backgrounder, this section prepares the patient for a more informed and engaged relationship with his or her doctors and other medical providers. Likewise for the sufferer himself or herself, chapters on psychotherapy, self-help and support groups compile the best advice and guidance the field has offered over the past decade. While much of the information useful to the patient himself or herself is also useful to family and friends, chapters on living with afflicted people and on suicide prevention speak more directly to individuals in these positions. Finally, chapters on stigma and on bipolar disorder in children and adolescents address the larger community. Doctors and medical providers are asked to keep current with improving treatment options and regimes. Insurance providers are implored to grasp the essentially medical nature of these illnesses and handle coverage as other medical coverage is handled. And, finally, the authors entreat the general public to engage a sense of compassion and understanding to reduce the stigma associated with these and other emotional illnesses. Written in a remarkably fluid, readable style, New Hope For People With Bipolar Disorder deserves a place on many a bookshelf.
60 of 62 found the following review helpful:
Can't seem to kick your "depression"? Read this. Jun 22, 2001
By Carol C.
"ccjello"
Bipolar disorder is often underdiagnosed and/or misdiagnosed as depression, particularly for people who have Bipolar II disorder (where severe depressive episodes are sandwiched between periods of mild or hypomania), who often feel sick and seek treatment only when they're depressed -- and thus are diagnosed as depressed or dysthymic. Without proper treatment of the bipolar disorder, things won't improve. This book really opened my eyes to what bipolar disorder is all about and why it is often hard to diagnose. On average, persons suffering from bipolar disorder see four psychiatrists and suffer for over ten years before they are diagnosed properly. This book is jam-packed with useful information -- facts on symptoms, common behaviors of sufferers, the different types of bipolar disorder, information on medication, and anecdotes from people suffering from bipolar and their families. It's also very clear and readable. I certainly wouldn't recommend self-diagnosis, but this book may help you help your psychiatrist make a proper diagnosis or help you understand a loved one.
51 of 52 found the following review helpful:
 No new Info. Jul 10, 2004
Nothing new here and almost nothing about mania, hypomania and its various forms. Heavy focus on depression which is generally well understood. I felt nothing for the woman who supposedly has bipolar and cowrote the book--could not identify one bit. Nothing about the newer drugs which have been recommended to me and which led me to buy the book since it was about "new hope". Bunch of psychodrivel about taking charge of your life which might as well have been written by Tony Robbins. I don't want some motivational book. I was loooking for a more serious discussion.Save your money.
91 of 97 found the following review helpful:
Bipolars MUST read this book! Jul 19, 2001
By Gina M.L.R.
I am 24 and have been bipolar my whole life. When meds and therapy just weren't enough to help me, I started reading books. This is by far the best, most helpful, informative, and well-written book on Bipolar Disorder. Written by 2 psychiatrists and a woman with bipolar disorder, this book touches on a broad range of topics from new medical findings to how to productively live with the disease and even has 2 color pictures of depressed and normal brains! It has helped my battle with the illness dramatically!
66 of 69 found the following review helpful:
Comprehensive and easy to read Feb 28, 2002
This book had the best descriptions of mania and depression of any I've read. I have personal experience with these disorders through family members. I have collected a library on these subjects, wanting to understand as much as I can. I have often been disappointed with books on the bipolar disorder and clinical depression. "New Hope..." is excellent for those suffering from not only bipolar disorder, but from clinical depression. I appreciated the scientific information, including images of the brain of a depressed person and a "normal" person. It's phenomenal to see that there is actually a physical difference. The knowledge in this book is truly hope for those who suffer from depression and from bipolar disorder. It should be recommended for all family members of people who suffer from these conditions.
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