Haycock - The everything health guide to adult bipolar disorder: a reassuring guide for patients and families

Psychiatry is one of medicine's most misunderstood disciplines. Despite frequent portrayals in the popular media, bipolar affective disorder (manic depression) remains one of psychiatry's most mis-understood diagnoses. Many who suffer from this illness believe they don't have it, and there are some who are certain they have it, but don't. Unfortunately, psychiatrists tend to see more of the former, and persuading people, especially young people, that they have a serious mental illness is extremely difficult. While depressed people often know they have a problem, and are often willing to seek treatment, most manic individuals do not see a problem or a need for help. They often put themselves and their loved ones through a number of horrific episodes before they get it. What makes this even more tragic is that good, effective treatments are available, and most people with this illness can live a normal life if they find, and stick with, appropriate treatment.

For those people who wonder if they have bipolar disorder, there is little awareness of the variety of alternative diagnoses that may be more accurate. The right diagnosis is the first step in getting the right treatment.

Psychoeducation is the education offered to people who live with psychological disturbances. Its goal is to help the patient understand and be better able to deal with the illness. It also helps to reinforce the patient's own strengths, resources, and coping skills, so they can become active participants in their health and well-being.

In addition, friends and family members are frequently confused about what is happening to their loved ones. Often, the normal, supportive responses are not helpful, and families are afraid to say or do the wrong thing and potentially make things worse. They wonder what went wrong, what they can do to help, and what the future holds for the patient.

I spend a considerable part of my time trying to educate patients and family members about bipolar affective disorder. Many patients and family members ask where they can look for more information, and bemoan the absence of a book such as this one. This book fills a valuable need in explaining to the average person what bipolar disorder is and how to deal with it.