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Oprah Recently Covered the Important Topic of Bipolar Disorder, Finally Giving It the Attention It Deserves - Now Learn Even More in Bipolar Disorder

Hoboken, NJ (PRWEB) October 15, 2007 -- An important topic is finally getting the attention it deserves. Recently the subject of The Oprah Winfrey Show, bipolar disorder (commonly referred to as manic-depressive illness) is characterized by cycles of mania, depression or mixed emotional states that often disrupt work, school, family and social life. Sufferers and their loved ones can learn even more about this complex disease in Bipolar Disorder For Dummies (Wiley, 340 pages, $19.99), a practical guide to understanding, treating, and living with bipolar disorder. Visit http://www.dummies.com for more information.

Written by Candida Fink, MD, a psychiatrist specializing in bipolar disorder, and Joe Kraynak, MA, a professional writer with a close family member diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Bipolar Disorder For Dummies explains the brain chemistry behind the disease--as well as the latest medications and therapies. It offers sound advice and self-help techniques that you and your loved ones can use to ease and eliminate symptoms, function in times of crisis, plan ahead for manic or depressive episodes, and feel better. Topics covered include: diagnosis and treatment, selecting a mental health specialist, mood charting, managing employment-related issues, and how bipolar disorder affects children.

From diagnosis to planning ahead for relapses, Bipolar Disorder For Dummies provides readers with the tools and information they need to live with the disease. The book starts with an overview of bipolar disorder and moves onto: how to control the disease, choose treatment options, and help yourself or assist a friend or relative. Dr. Fink specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry and has included a special chapter titled "Backing Your Bipolar Child," with ways family members can support a child with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder usually has a different look and feel in children than it has in adults, and it shares many symptoms with other problems, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Remain vigilant for the following warning signs:

- You see big changes in behavior; your child is doing much more or less than usual.

- Your child sleeps all the time or has plenty of energy with little or no sleep.

- He or she has a persistent irritable, angry mood over and above typical teenage behavior.

- Your child experiences uncontrollable rages or tantrums over minor day-to-day demands.

- He or she destroys property, shows aggression, or threatens to hurt others. (If you check this warning sign, seek help immediately.)

- Your child hates himself or feels as though he can do no wrong.

- He or she has withdrawn socially or has begun engaging in potentially dangerous activities, such as sex, drugs, excessive shopping, stealing, and so on.

- Your child persistently feels sadness, hopelessness, despair, or crushing boredom.

- You notice changes in your child's concentration, grades dropping, or problems in school.

- Your child has expressed suicidal thoughts or engaged in self-harm, such as cutting. (If you check this warning sign, call a professional immediately.)

Like all For Dummies® books, Bipolar Disorder For Dummies concludes with "The Part of Tens," including "Ten Questions to Ask a Psychiatrist or Therapist," "Ten Ways to Fight the High Cost of Treatment," and "Ten Ways to Help the Bipolar Community." A helpful "Cheat Sheet" gives symptoms to identify if you have ever been depressed, or manic/hypomanic, as well as ways to beat the blues and tips to muffle the mania.

Bipolar Disorder For Dummies (ISBN: 978-0-7645-8451-0) provides sound advice and self-help techniques that you and your loved ones can use to ease and eliminate symptoms, function in times of crisis, plan ahead for manic or depressive episodes and feel better.

About the authors

Candida Fink, MD (New Rochelle, New York) is a board-certified adult, child and adolescent psychiatrist in private practice. She specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry with expertise in autism, pediatric bipolar disorder, and mental health issues in school settings. She has been featured nationally and locally in broadcast, print and online media and is a featured speaker on mental health topics for community and school-based audiences. Dr. Fink is a graduate of the Boston University School of Medicine who did her psychiatry residency at Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, and her fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital, both teaching centers for Harvard Medical School. Among her academic appointments have been clinical faculty appointments in psychiatry at the Westchester (N.Y.) College of Medicine; and a clinical fellowship at the Harvard School of Medicine.

Joe Kraynak, MA (Speedway, Indiana) is a freelance author who has written and co-authored dozens of books on a variety of topics. On December 10, 1999, Joe's wife Cecie was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Since that day, they have been to half a dozen doctors and even more therapists, broke in a few marriage counselors, survived changes in health insurance, attended dozens of support meetings, and endured the career changes and financial hardships that commonly accompany bipolar disorder.

About For Dummies®

With near universal name recognition, more than 150 million books in print, and over 1,000 topics, For Dummies is the world's bestselling reference series. With loyal customers around the globe, For Dummies enriches people's lives by making knowledge accessible in a fun and easy way. Described by the N.Y. Times as "more than a publishing phenomenon, but a sign of the times," For Dummies span every section of the bookstore, covering everything from health to history, music to math, sports to self-help, technology to travel, and more. The Dummies brand franchise has expanded with an extensive licensed product line, including DVDs, software, consumer electronics, cooking, cleaning and automotive products, craft and hobby kits, games and more. For information, visit Dummies.com. For Dummies is a branded imprint of Wiley.

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