As a Psychiatrist, I have read many writings on Bipolar Disorder. The writings by mental health professionals have tended to provide information and insights from a clinician/researcher point of view. While these documents gave the reader information, it was often difficult for patients and non-medical individuals to understand and incorporate the information into their daily lives. On the other hand, writings by individuals with mental illnesses, family members or friends, tend to be autobiographical. They are interesting, but only chronicled one person’s journey. This book was written as a collaborative between an individual with a mental illness and his primary support person. This book is written using the language, which anyone can understand and individualize. At this time, it is paramount for consumers, friends, and family and support groups to be active participants in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder. The ability to be a positive, contributing member of the mental health team starts with knowledge. The ability to communicate effectively with professionals and nonprofessionals is essential for maximum medical/emotional benefit. This book provides an excellent source of information to anyone who has or is associated with individuals having Bipolar Disorder. I highly recommend this book as part of the resources available to educate and empower those trying to control and maintain stability with Bipolar Disorder.

- Ollie R. Mack, J.D., M.D.

A quick and easy reference to help understand Bipolar Disorder James Witschner and Marcia Rose 

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EEG BIOFEEDBACK FOR MANIC DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS If you have been diagnosed with a Manic Depressive Disorder, you may wish to consider the possibility of EEG Biofeedback. The main goal of this type of biofeedback is to help reduce the intensity of the mood swings and irritability. While there is not much research on the effectiveness of EEG Biofeedback for bipolar disorders, many clinicians are reporting success. Recent theories of bipolar disorder state that mood swings may be due to small or minor epileptic type seizures. Evidence for this theory exists in the fact that many individuals with bipolar disorder are helped with anti-seizure medication such as Tegratol or Depakote. Because EEG

EEG BIOFEEDBACK FOR MANIC DEPRESSIVE Biofeedback can prevent epileptic seizures; it may also stabilize moods just as anti-seizure medications do.

EFFEXOR (venlafixine hydrochloride) This is an anti-depressant. This medication was introduced in the United States in 1994. It is a serotonin (serotonin helps send electrical signals from one nerve cell to another) and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor for use in the treatment of depression. The most common side effects are nausea; trouble swallowing sleepiness, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, nervousness, increased blood pressure, sweating, abnormal ejaculation/orgasm and anorexia. Adverse reactions that could be serious have been reported for people taking Effexor and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) some reactions are tremor, nausea, vomiting, flushing, seizures and death.

EUPHORIA An exaggerated felling of physical and emotional well-being.

EUPHORIC AND DYSPHORIC A person can experience two types of mania when they have bipolar disorder. In Euphoria, a person is high, in love with thoughts, etc. This kind of mania is generally the kind described in the popular literature. Dysphoria is another type of mania. In Dysphoria one is "high" but in a different sense: agitated, destructive, full of rage, talking a mile a minute, mind racing, deluded with grandiose thoughts, paranoid, full of anxiety, panic-stricken. In addition, Dysphoria can also come into the depressive side. These are often referred to as "mixed episodes." Mixed episodes are quite dangerous; suicidal ideas or thoughts often accompany this state.

EUTHYMIC The normal moods experienced by individuals with bipolar disorder between the times of mania or depression.