Calming the Bipolar Storm : A Guide for Patients and Their Families

Calming the Bipolar Storm is intended for patients with bipolar disorder, and anyone who loves or cares for them. This up-to-date work captures the rapidly advancing research and treatment strategies in the field of bipolar disorders. Discussing causes, presentation, onset, course, and treatments, the book encourages bipolar persons to set a healthy baseline, outlining five areas which promote good overall health in support of their particular circumstances: diet, exercise, sleep, avoiding substance misuse, and finding social support. In this context, Robert Fawcett, MD, discusses specific medications and their side effects, offering comparisons among them where possible. He describes other biological treatments such as herbs and supplements, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), bright light treatment and sleep deprivation. A discussion of psychotherapies for bipolar includes not only some of the evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal and social rhythm, and family-focused therapies, but also supportive therapy, which is what patients most commonly encounter. The book delves into specific areas such as pregnancy, suicide, bipolar youth, associated disorders, and late onset and secondary mania. Drawing from the author’s experience treating patients with bipolar disorder for more than forty years and his extensive knowledge of the clinical literature Calming the Bipolar Storm presents an in depth, engaging review of bipolar disorder and its treatment, punctuated with case vignettes and interesting glimpses into the history behind today’s concept of bipolar disorder and its treatments.