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 

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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PANIC DISORDER This can be a debilitating condition that afflicts 1 out of 75 people. There can be sudden periods of intense fear associated with shortness of breath, trembling or shaking, sweating, nausea, dizziness and the fear of dying. People think they are having a heart attack or they are losing their mind. The main symptom of a Panic Disorder is the panic attack itself. Panic Disorder is a medical disorder characterized by severe and sudden episodes. Panic attacks reach maximum intensity within a minute or two once they begin. They diminish slowly over the next 30 minutes or the next several hours. It is common for the first attack to cause a person to go to an emergency medical facility. Subsequent attacks occur several times a month and are often as severe as the initial attack. About three fourths of Panic Disorder patients are women. Panic Disorder begins most often when people are 20-30 years old. It begins less often in teenagers or persons in there forties. It is uncommon for the disorder to appear in the elderly for the first time.

PARANOIA A paranoid individual lives in a state or attitude of suspicion and mistrust or conviction that something bad will happen or those enemies want to persecute or mistreat them. There is a tendency to view the actions of others as deliberate threats.

PAXIL (paroxetine HCI) This medication is a newer class of antidepressant, also known as selective serotonin (serotonin helps send electrical signals from one nerve cell to another) reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is also used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic disorder. Some of the side affects can be, but are not, limited to: seizures, abnormal bleeding, sweating, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, decreased appetite or weight gain, nervousness and sexual disorders. Adverse reactions that could be serious have been reported for people taking Paxil and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) some reactions are rapid fluctuations of vital signs and extreme agitation that can progress to coma.

PSYCHOTHERAPY Psychotherapy really has not proven effective in treating Bipolar illness. It can be very useful in helping the person to cope with the ups and downs experienced with this illness.

PSYCHOSES A major mental disorder indicated by gross impairment of an individual’s perception of reality.

PROZAC (fluoxetine hydrochloride) This is mostly used as an antidepressant. It is also used to promote anti-obsessive behavior and anti-bulimic actions i.e., in treatment of obsessive behavior and bulimic actions. Prozac works by restoring levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Some of the common side effects are headache, nervousness, insomnia, drowsiness, fatigue, anxiety, tremor, dizziness, stomach complaints, diarrhea, chills, dry mouth, and excessive sweating and weight loss. Some of the uncommon side effects are confusion, delusions, hallucinations, manic reactions, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, pancreatitis, and renal and liver failure. There have been serious and fatal reactions when this drug is taken with a MAO inhibitor, such as rapid fluctuations of vital signs and extreme agitation leading to delirium and coma.