Living With Someone Who's Living With Bipolar Disorder

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