Manic-Depressive Illness: Bipolar Disorders and Recurrent Depression, 2nd Edition
Product Description
The revolution in psychiatry that began in earnest in the 1960s led to dramatic advances in the understanding and treatment of manic-depressive illness. Hailed as the most outstanding book in the biomedical sciences when it was originally published in 1990, Manic-Depressive Illness was the first to survey this massive body of evidence comprehensively and to assess its meaning for both clinician and scientist. It also vividly portrayed the experience of manic-depressive illness from the perspective of patients, their doctors, and researchers. Encompassing an understanding about the illness as Kraeplin conceived of it- about its cyclical course and about the essential unity of its bipolar and recurrent unipolar forms- the book has become the definitive work on the topic, revered by both specialists and nonspecialists alike.
Now, in this magnificent second edition, Drs. Frederick Goodwin and Kay Redfield Jamison bring their unique contribution to mental health science into the 21st century. In collaboration with a team of other leading scientists, a collaboration designed to preserve the unified voice of the two authors, they exhaustively review the biological and genetic literature that has dominated the field in recent years and incorporate cutting-edge research conducted since publication of the first edition. They also update their surveys of psychological and epidemiological evidence, as well as that pertaining to diagnostic issues, course, and outcome, and they offer practical guidelines for differential diagnosis and clinical management. The medical treatment of manic and depressive episodes is described, strategies for preventing future episodes are given in detail, and psychotherapeutic issues common in this illness are considered. Special emphasis is given to fostering compliance with medication regimens and treating patients who abuse drugs and alcohol or who pose a risk of suicide. This book, unique in the way that it retains the distinct perspective of its authors while assuring the maximum in-depth coverage of a vastly expanded base of scientific knowledge, will be a valuable and necessary addition to the libraries of psychiatrists and other physicians, psychologists, clinical social workers, neuroscientists, pharmacologists, and the patients and families who live with manic-depressive illness.
Manic-Depressive Illness: Bipolar Disorders and Recurrent Depression, 2nd Edition
Especially interesting is the data presented on artistic productivity and religious and political leadership.
I was diagnosed with cyclothymia recently, which is on the low end of the manic-depressive spectrum and am being treated with lithium. I asked my psychiatrist what to read on the subject and he said the only book he could recommend is this one, since others tend to focus on the extreme cases and manic-depressive illness covers a wide range of disorders.
Reading the section on the relationship between manic-depressive illness, leadership, and creativity has given me great insight into my own experience as a follower of Christ, a leader, and a doctoral student in Christian Spirituality. For decades I struggled with suicidal impulses until I was healed through exorcism about nine years ago. I am now thinking of changing the focus of my dissertation towards the relationship of traditional Christian healing practices and modern medical healing practices.
I would be interested in email from anyone with experience/knowledge in this area.
Rating: 5 / 5
I bought this book because someone I know has just been diagnosed with “Soft Bipolar” disorder. This is a “shadow” form of bipolar disorder. While I’ve dealt with people with bipolar disorder before ( I’m a retired minister), I never heard of “soft bipolar” or “bipolar spectrum” disorder before. This book is the classic text on Bipolar disorder. The only problem is that it is a little old ( about 10 to 15 years old) and discoveries about “soft bipolar” disorder are just coming into the literature now. If you are depressed or diagnosed as depressed, as the person close to me was, you might have soft bipolar disorder. It is much more common than you think. The problem with it is that it needs different medications than regular unipolar disorder does. As an example, if you take one of the SSRI’s (such as Prozac or Zoloft) and have soft bipolar, the chances are very good that you will end up with hypomania, which is a mild form of mania. It feels good for a long time–just like alcohol. But at some point in time, it will begin to backfire on you as it did on my friend. She kept getting more and more hyper and angry. Finally, her therapist decided to try out this diagnosis on her. He switched medicines, and it made her mood much more stable. This book would also be excellent for someone who wants to know about bipolar I disorder–manic depressive disorder. The problem with the book is that it is very technical, but everything is there even if it could use a little updating.
Rating: 5 / 5
Although a huge book along with a hefty price tag, this is probably the most up to date information on bipolar disorder (manic depression) available today. It offers a wealth of information that is usable to the clinician as well as the patient. In fact, I think this should be required reading for any clinician who deal with people with this condition.
I strongly urge the purchase of this book esp. for the consumer as self knowledge will be such an asset when communicating with your doctor. This book covers most everything from the most basic to the most complex information to date on this vexing condition. Though I am constantly searching the internet for the most up to date information on bipolar disease, I find the authors of this book to be the leading authorities presently.
Rating: 5 / 5
The second edition of this classic will provide more than any psychiatrist needs to know about Manic-
Depressive illness.
Rating: 5 / 5
Studying and treating Bipolar Disorder is a difficult trend. Since Kraepelin lessons became available in his book, perhaps “Manic Depressive Illness” is the first to try the almost impossible mission to launch new lights on the matter. And with an amazing approach full of eruditism as well as simplicity and warmth. Untill nowadays, extremely accurate, complete, precise and comprehensive. In little words: in all aspects, amazing!
Rating: 5 / 5
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