Yet most of the information prior even to the early 1990's is dated and obtuse. There is much confusion in the earlier literature between schizophrenia and bipolar. It is now understood that bipolar disorders are chemical deficiencies in the brain and can largely be controled by medications and that the patients can achieve normalcy. That's where this book is so valuable. Just published in 2002, it reviews the most recent meds and their side effects. Someone suffering with this condition needs to know this stuff. Moreover there is comprehensive information for those suffering from clinical depression and other disorders that medications frequently can help.

And that's my final remark on this wealth of information. That's why it lives up to its title. This book helps the patient and her/his family to cope. As with meds, the patients learn their life problems never really go away, but how they deal with them improves.

After reading this book, both patients and those who interact with them will be enriched in their comprehension and better able to adapt to the bipolar condition.

38 of 42 found the following review helpful:


a must read for anyone who suffers or knows someone who does  Oct 13, 2002 By yorkshirewrose
I just got this book yesterday from Amazon. To say its the best, most salient book on the subject I have ever read- well I cannot do it justice.

I have read almost every book on this subject, since I am afflicted by it. It is very well written, moe for the lay person, than the medical establishment. I've learned more about this from this book than any other book I have read. And it is written not only for people who are manic depressive, but those who love us.

It's pretty much a must read, and should be read by everyone who either suffers from it, or knows a loved one who does.

29 of 32 found the following review helpful:


The Best Book of Its Type  Oct 15, 2003
I have read several intelligently written books on the subject of manic depression. I have suffered from the disorder for twenty-six years and have not been able to find a better book on the subject. Chances are the new paperback edition, which should be updated to include new medications, will be even better than this book.

I have read several books by E. Fuller Torrey, who is, to my knowledge, America's most reliable and caring psychiatrist for the severely mentally ill.

24 of 26 found the following review helpful:


Wonderful for beginners -- not for advanced use  Apr 12, 2002
Those lured by the table of contents into thinking they will find new information here about some of the state-of-the-art psychopharmacology for bipolar disorder or revolutionary breakthroughs, etc. will be disappointed by this comprehensive, honest, and hard-working book. It is most appropriate as an introductory guide for laypersons who have been diagnosed themselves or have a family member with bipolar disorder and who want information and reassurance plus referrals to additional sources of information. It is not a book for mental health professionals treating persons with bipolar disorder who are seeking new information about this disease, or for highly informed patients who are already familiar with the course of the illness, its symptoms, available treatments, etc. They will find little that is new here. Nonetheless this is an admirable work that will be very helpful to many people, and it is well organized and comprehensive.

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