Interesting book on bipolar disorder

Surviving Manic Depression

Torrey, E.F. and M.B. Knable. 2002. Surviving Manic Depression. Basic Books, NY

The authors have crafted an excellent, complete book describing the many aspects of Manic Depression (now called bipolar disorder). Symptoms, risk factors for relapse, possible causes, and treatments are all covered in detail. However, the book goes much further by giving interesting facts dug out of history and little-known research studies. If readers think they know everything about bipolar disorder, they are in for a delightful surprise when they study this fascinating text. The authors also provide short descriptions of many books and websites that would be of interest. Many of the books listed deal with how others have wrestled with the disease. Some of the people who wrote books about themselves are very educated and, in fact, are psychologists. Other books describe some famous people who have had manic depression: Rosemary Clooney, Virginia Woolf, Patty Duke, Abbie Hoffman, and major-league baseball player Jim Piersall.

Although the medical field has many medications for treating the highs and lows of this disease, the authors frankly admit that we are still at the try-it-and-see-if-it-works stage for knowing what to do.

The authors write, ÒAfter listening to individuals describe their experiences with mania, one is not surprised that they would wish to experience it again. Who would not like to have boundless energy, to need only two or three hours of sleep, to be capable of performing sexually for hours at a time, to experience music and sights more intensely than others, to be An Important Person?Ó Abbie Hoffman, the radical who founded the Yippies of the 60Õs, commented on the mania of the bipolar with, ÒThereÕs no drug in the world that could take you to that level.Ó Many people, including writer and psychologist Kay Jamison, would choose to have had manic depression if they were given a choice. People who have experienced the mania often do not and will not take their medication. Like a drug addict they will do anything to get that high again. Medication will control the disease in most people, but the patient will not take it.

Studies have shown manic depression to be associated with creativity--Creativity in bipolars and in their relatives. Most scientists believe multiple genes are involved in passing the condition along. Perhaps, one who receives less than all the responsible genes is blessed with unusual creativity; thus explaining why the relatives of the manic depressive are particularly creative.

Reducing stress may help reduce relapses. Regular exercise and regularly scheduled meals are two methods mentioned. Large studies have shown repeatedly the importance of getting a good nightÕs sleep to prevent a recurrence of manic phase.

Some cultures have more-or-less established customs in which people seem to go crazy at times. The people have Òsudden outbursts of motor action and screaming, along with violent attacks on people, animals and inanimate objects...Ó These celebrations have different names: amok throughout Southeast Asia, negrinegri in Papua New Guinea, and piblokto among the Arctic Eskimos.

Everyone with a connection to Manic Depression should read this book to get a more total view of the disorder.

Jim S

Have you read Touched with Fire?

Yes, great book.

Jim S

Are there any books that you know of that discribe stuff like this? On why people react the they they do in general?

There are tons of great books out there. On my web site I have reviews of a number of good books that I have obtained from libraries and have read. We have a list somewhere on this forum of a number of great books. Sadgurl has several lists of good books. I have some free books on my web site. There are thousands of books on depression and other mental illnesses. What exactly are you looking for?
Jim S

I'm not looking for anyting specific. Just a book on disorders in general.

A good Book to read re: personal description of one man's account on what is going on inside and learning to incorporate it into your life and deal with it. Haven't finished it yet - but great so far.


I have a question for anyone if they have read books/articles/anything on rapid cycling (not simplified - I know what it is) and/or mixed phase (also not simplified). As well anything great on overspending and stealing and possible ways to overcome these problems (if possible).

rapidomixada

Another quality book to read is "The Bipolar Survival Guide".

An Unquiet Mind is a good one too!

jims,
you sound like you've made leaps and bounds in your life, thats wonderful. I too am bipolar and have found rigorous excercise helps keep my moods more manageble. I, unlike you, still need a cocktail of meds which work very well for me inconjuntion w/ excercise. You sound like a very influencial person and I just thought I might encourage you to be sensitive to the fact that not everyone can do without meds. People with bipolar who need meds may see what you wrote in your website about people not needing meds and refuse medication which could be detremental to them. Though we bipolars share a common "disease" we are still individuals and no one cure works for everyone. You know what I mean? I hope this does not come across rude in anyway. It is just a suggestion.

sincerely
mo mo