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 confirmed

* Strategies for dealing with rants, attacks, blame, depression,
mania and other behaviors

* Crucial information on medication and its effectiveness and
potential side-effects

* Techniques for dealing with attempts to self-medicate with
drugs and alcohol

* How many people with bipolar disorders can care for themselves,
get help, feel supported and go on with their own lives

This important book contains real-life illustrative examples and
a wealth of helpful strategies and coping mechanisms that can be
put into action immediately.

Chelsea Lowe is a health writer and essayist and the author of
The Everything Health Guide to OCD. She has written feature
articles and essays for NPR, Newsweek, Newsday, the Los Angeles
Times, the Boston Globe, and other publications.

Bruce M. Cohen, MD, PhD, is emeritus director of the Harvard
University- affiliated McLean Hospital and the
Robertson-Steele Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Cohen is a national leader in the study and treatment of
bipolar disorders.

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 confirmed
• Strategies for dealing with rants, attacks, blame, depression, mania and other behaviors
• Crucial information on medication and its effectiveness and potential side-effects
• Techniques for dealing with attempts to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol
• How many people with bipolar disorders can care for themselves, get help, feel supported and go on with their own lives

This important book contains real-life illustrative examples and a wealth of helpful strategies and coping mechanisms that can be put into action immediately.

Preface ix

Introduction xiii

Part One Understanding Bipolar Disorder 1

1 What Is (and Isn't) Bipolar Disorder? 3

2 A Brief, Colorful History (and Some Science) of Bipolar Disorder 19

3 Getting an Accurate Diagnosis 35

4 Understanding Medication 53

5 Understanding Psychosocial Therapies and Medical Treatment Options 71

Part Two Living with Your Partner 87

6 Building a Support Team 89

7 Bipolar Disorders and the Workplace 107

8 Communication and Coping Skills 127

9 Coping with Negative and Dangerous Behaviors 147

10 Sex, Intimacy, and Relationship Issues 161

11 Suicide Attempts, Hospitalization, and Commitment 177

12 Family Matters 193

Appendix: Excerpts from the DSM-IV-TR Diagnostic Criteria for Bipolar Disorder 209

Notes 233

Resources 237

About the Authors 245

Index 247