"An excellent guide to a painful and difficult yet treatable illness. Dr. Mondimore's outstanding abilities as clinician and teacher are put to good use in this indispensable book." -- Kay Redfield Jamison Ph.D. Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and author of An Unquiet Mind

Bipolar disorder can be devastating. It can disrupt relationships and careers it can wreak havoc on family life and when not properly treated it can be fatal. Since 1999 this compassionate and comprehensive guide has helped tens of thousands of people cope with this complex disease. This the second edition of Bipolar Disorder is thoroughly updated and discusses promising new options for diagnosis and treatment along with new information on the disease's genetic components.Bipolar disorder is difficult to diagnose. Dr. Mondimore explains how symptoms fluctuate in persons with seasonal affective disorder how they can lead to a mistaken diagnosis of attention deficit--hyperactivity disorder in children and how they may be made worse by alcohol or drug addiction. The disease can also be difficult to treat. Dr. Mondimore gives advice about how to pick a psychiatrist and cope with the stigma of psychiatric diagnosis. He provides extensive information on treatment options including the advantages disadvantages and side effects of various drug therapies. He also describes what it is like to live with bipolar disorder and discusses how lifestyle changes can improve quality of life. Throughout he focuses on the importance of building a support system planning for emergencies and giving yourself permission to seek help.