Customer Reviews
Essential reading - By: J. L. OREILLY, 20 Feb 2008 
Those who are truly bipolar ( type 1 or 2) cannot fail to identify with this book. I felt reassured after reading it that I was not alone & also felt confident that there are many things I can do (in addition to taking medication) to help manage my condition. For example, the book speaks of the importance of circadian rythyms & how to maintain a regular sleep/wake cycle. I think this should be absolutely compulsory reading for those affected by bipolar- whether as a "patient" or as a carer/ family member. I also think this would aide doctors- particularly the psychiatrists to think about the human side of the condition, too. BUY it!
Informative, practical & easy to read - By: Zoe, 28 Jun 2007 One of 2 books i purchased from Amazon after my diagnosis - the other being more geared towards the medical profession.
I've found this book really useful, not onlyin providing information on Bipolar Disorder, but also with practical advice on recognising symptoms & dealing with the disorder.
It's a real 'start at the beginning' book - taking you from recognising the symptoms of BD, through diagnosis, treatments & on through to dealing with the disorder, coping with the ups & downs, how to broach the subject with friends, family & work & then staying well.
It contains samples of scales, exercises & charts - much like the ones anyone dealing with BD will have been given by their doctor - which i found very helpful.
It also contains examples of real stories of BD patients. I found these especially comforting to read - it sounds cliched but i really did think 'i am not alone'.
The book discusses the possible causes of BD, what events/factors that may exacerbate symptoms, medications & their implications & therapies. It also discusses the role of family & friendsin the BD sufferers life, giving advice on how they may find ways to deal with mood swings etc.
The only draw back to this book is that - as with much psych literature of this kind - it's written by an American doctor & as such is quite 'Americanised'. That doesnt detract however from how useful the book is - it just means that the author presumes you have your therapist on speed dial (in the NHS you'll be lucky!) - & the spelling & terms are American.
Overall i recommend this book to anyone dealing with BD on a personal level - either as patient or family/friend/carer.
Apart from the book i also bought at the same time as this i havent felt i needed any more info about my Disorder than this book has, & can, give me.
Excellent Book. - By: , 27 Mar 2005 I have read this book to understand what have been experiencing for years, Bipolar Disorder. This book is excellent, it felt as if it was written for me by a therapist who has known me for years. By using examples of real people,in many different situations, you feel that Dr. Miklowitz has an insight into exactly what you are experiencing. His advice is practical & spot on, this book is essential reading for anyone with bipolar & their immediate close circle of family & friends. He includes worksheets & information sheets throughout. My book is full of Postit notes & I am hopeful that I can improve my quality & enjoyment of life because of this book. His writing style is also easy & flowing & he references his work throughout, showing that he is extremely knowledgeable about bipolar disorder.
Refining the chaos - By: , 29 Nov 2003 I've suffered from bipolar disorder since I was 9. After countless misdiagnoses (including ADHD, multiple personality disorder & paranoid schizophrenia), I was finally diagnosed shortly after my 18th birthday. Had this book been around when I was a child, maybe all that pain & confusion could have been avoided. A clear, well-written book, it brilliantly conveys everything families & sufferers need to know about this most complex of illnesses. It doesn't fall into the usual trap of assuming that you have a long family history of bipolar disorder, or that lithium is the only thing for you - it's written humanely, looking into all aspects & possibilities. Highly recommended.
