Bipolar Disorder For Dummies

Description

Wrap your mind around bipolar disorder and understand your treatment options Bipolar Disorder For Dummies, Second Edition explains everything about this common mental health diagnosis in easy-to-understand terms. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you aren’t alone. This book helps make sense of options when it comes to medications, therapies, and treatments that could improve your quality of life. You can live a full life with bipolar disorder by managing your symptoms and following a solid treatment plan. With compassionate advice and friendly insights, this book empowers you with the information you need to find support for yourself or assist a loved one who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This updated edition covers emerging and alternative therapies, including ketamine, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), marijuana, and psychedelics. Get the latest on medical, therapeutic, and self-help strategies for bipolar managementNavigate your way through the challenges of a bipolar diagnosisLearn the chemistry behind bipolar disorder―in terms anyone can understandControl symptoms, function in times of crisis, and plan ahead for manic or depressive episodes If you suspect you may have bipolar disorder, if you have recently been diagnosed, or if you have a loved one with bipolar disorder, this Dummies guide offers you an accessible resource for learning all the basics. Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Introduction About This Book Foolish Assumptions Icons Used in This Book Beyond the Book Where to Go from Here Part 1 Getting Started on Your Bipolar Journey Chapter 1 Grasping Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and Diagnosis Cracking Open the Diagnostic Manual: DSM-5-TR Exploring the Poles of Bipolar Disorder: Mania and Depression Manic episode Distinct period Three or more manic symptoms Functional impairment Not caused by something else Hypomanic episode Major depressive episode Not your average moodiness Not attributable to other psychotic disorders Distinguishing Types of Bipolar Disorder Bipolar I Bipolar II Cyclothymic disorder Substance/medication-induced bipolar disorder Bipolar and related disorder due to another medical condition Other specified bipolar and related disorder Unspecified bipolar disorder Digging Deeper with Bipolar Specifiers Current or most recent episode Severity of illness Presence or absence of psychosis Course of illness Additional features that doctors use as specifiers in making the diagnosis Distinguishing Bipolar from Conditions with Similar Symptoms Considering Comorbidity: When Bipolar Coexists with Other Conditions Anxiety disorders Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Substance use disorder Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Personality disorders Memory and thinking problems Confronting the Challenges of Diagnosing Children and Teens Chapter 2 Exploring Possible Causes: The Brain and Body Science of Bipolar Disorder Digging Up Bipolar’s Genetic Roots Exploring the genetic connection through twin, adoption, and family studies Shaking the family tree Grasping the genetic complexities Flipping the bipolar switch: Epigenetics Investigating Nongenetic Factors Examining the Circuitry of Bipolar Brushing up on brain structure and function Dissecting the brain Recognizing two brain cell types Understanding how brain cells communicate Connecting the brain to bipolar disorder Examining bipolar’s impact on brain structure Connecting bipolar disorder to disruptions in cellular communication Immune responses and inflammation Circadian rhythms Exploring the microbiota-gut-brain axis Investigating Medication Mechanisms: What We Know and Don’t Know Chapter 3 Reining in Bipolar Disorder: Prognosis and Treatments Knowing What to Expect: Adopting a Long-Term Perspective Responding Reactively and Proactively to Bipolar Disorder Reacting: Extinguishing the flames Preventing future flare-ups Taking a Quick Look at Treatment Options Exploring medication and other biological remedies Getting the right meds for your condition Exploring other biological treatment options Sampling self-care strategies: The big five Sleep Nutrition Physical activity Stress management Relationships Reviewing foundational skills for success Comparing psychotherapies and other professional counseling Rounding up the troops: Relationship and family support Ensuring continuity of care Part 2 Obtaining a Diagnosis, Developing a Treatment Plan, and Building a Team Chapter 4 Getting an Accurate Diagnosis Finding a Specialist to Perform Your Psychiatric Evaluation Narrowing your list to qualified candidates Seeking referrals Knowing what to look for in a psychiatric care provider Knowing What Happens During a Psychiatric Evaluation Exploring what’s happening now Your chief complaint Current medications and allergies The history of present illness The review of systems Current stressors — Possible triggers What makes your symptoms better or worse Symptom scales Digging into your past Past psychiatric history Past medical history Past neurological history History of substance use Developmental and trauma history Family history Social history Being aware of other steps a psych evaluation may involve Reviewing old records and reports Communicating with other providers Starting with a Differential Diagnosis Considering other psychiatric causes Investigating non-psychiatric causes Hormonal disorders Brain inflammation (encephalitis) Traumatic brain injury Stroke Brain tumors Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus/SLE) Other brain conditions Other general medical conditions Medication, alcohol, and other substances Possible complications with COVID Digging Deeper with Additional Tests and Procedures Medical tests that your doctor may order Thyroid tests Additional medical specialists who may help Putting It All Together for an Official Diagnosis Responding to your diagnosis Understanding your prognosis Chapter 5 Building Your Treatment Plan Understanding Bipolar Treatment Plan Fundamentals Appreciating the importance of having a personalized treatment plan Laying the groundwork for close collaboration Going beyond medications: A comprehensive approach Evolving and changing your treatment plan over time Addressing Medication Management Treating an acute mood episode Preventing future episodes Providing informed consent Getting your treatment plan in writing Scheduling your next appointment Incorporating Therapy in Your Treatment Plan Finding a therapist Documenting how you, your doctor, and your therapist will work together Adding Self-Care Strategies to Your Treatment Plan Chapter 6 Building a Winning Mood-Management Team A Psychiatric Provider for Diagnosis and Medication Management Diagnostician Master planner Prescriber/medicine manager A Therapist: For Non-Medication Treatments and Monitoring Skills trainer and coach Resident soundboard Self-care guide and cheerleader Continuity of care person Referral service Knowing where to turn when you’re having trouble finding a therapist Assembling Your Personal Support Staff: Family and Friends Building a network based on trust Understanding their fears, anxieties, anger, and other emotions Educating your supporters Establishing your team’s level of involvement Encouraging open communication Working as a Team Tapping the Power of Self-Advocacy Part 3 Managing the Biology of Bipolar Disorder Chapter 7 Leveling Moods with Medication Unlocking the Bipolar Medicine Cabinet Lithium Valproate (Depakote) and other anticonvulsants Carbamazepine (Tegretol) Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Antipsychotics Mood-boosting antidepressants SSRIs SNRIs Other serotonin-related antidepressants Bupropion (Wellbutrin) Mirtazipine Tricyclics and MAOIs Calming anxiolytics and sleep agents Benzodiazepines Other anti-anxiety medications Sleep aids Exploring Bipolar Psychopharmacology Selecting the best medications for you Pharmacogenetic testing Knowing what to expect Testing for med levels and health issues Mixing your pharmaceutical cocktail Practicing safety first Taking a gradual, systematic approach Staying abreast of the changes Juggling meds for comorbid conditions Treating Mood Episodes and Preventing Future Episodes Muffling mania Lifting bipolar depression Keeping mania and depression at bay: Maintenance treatment Treatment-resistant bipolar disorder Peering into the Promising Future of Bipolar Medications Meds that target the glutamatergic pathways Protein kinase C inhibitors Other meds worth mentioning Chapter 8 Coming to Terms with Medications and Their Side Effects Examining Objections to Taking Meds I’m not sick They don’t work I’m fine now The side effects are unacceptable I forget to take them Normal is boring I just want to be me I can manage my moods without medication I want to drink alcohol or consume cannabis sometimes They cost too much Performing a Cost-Benefit Analysis Alleviating Undesirable Side Effects Tweaking your doses and times Trying different meds in the same class Exploring other options Dealing with specific side effects Fatigue and drowsiness Weight gain, insulin resistance, and Type 2 diabetes Sexual dysfunction Memory and cognitive difficulties Switching, Reducing, and Stopping Meds Chapter 9 Expanding Your Biological Treatment Options Treating Your Moods to Supplements Fishing for a cure: Omega-3 fatty acids Pumping up your brain with vitamins and minerals Investigating herbs and other supplements Assessing the safety of alternative remedies Treating Depression with Light Therapy Stimulating Your Brain with Electricity and Magnetic Fields Moderating moods with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) Zapping your moods with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) Soothing depression with neurostimulation Modulating the nervous system with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) Targeting parts of the brain with DBS Exploring the Effects of Marijuana on the Brain Reviewing the Research on Psychedelics Chapter 10 Addressing Bipolar Disorder Across Diverse Communities Bipolar Disorder in Women Considering the nature of the illness Tracing reproductive development Bipolar disorder and pregnancy Deciding whether to get pregnant Choosing medications before, during, and after pregnancy Planning and prepping for pregnancy Managing bipolar and pregnancy Managing bipolar during menopause Bipolar in the LGBTQIA+ Community Bipolar Disorder in Historically Marginalized Communities Recognizing additional risk factors for individuals in these communities Bipolar in Black/African American communities Bipolar in Hispanic/Latino communities Bipolar in Native/Indigenous communities Finding culturally competent providers Older Adults and Bipolar Disorder What’s so different about older adults? Addressing dementia and bipolar Medication issues for older adults Treating mania Treating depression Treating anxiety and sleep disorders Part 4 Developing Essential Survival Skills Chapter 11 Exploring Self Help and Professional Therapies Monitoring Your Moods Charting Sleep and Energy Levels Identifying Stressors and Triggers Exploring Therapies That May Help with Bipolar Management Psychoeducation Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) Identify your natural rhythm Structure your daily routine Regulate your interpersonal and social rhythms Maintain your rhythm in the midst of change Mindfulness and other centering activities Relationship and family therapies Group therapy Exploring Online Resources Weighing the pros and cons of online care Differentiating information from misinformation Getting Involved in a Support Group Chapter 12 Making Lifestyle Adjustments Cultivating a Healthy Home Environment Educating all household members Setting a more structured schedule Cranking down the volume Reducing conflict and criticism Considering the kids Establishing Healthy Routines Regulating your sleep Scheduling social activities Leaving room for spontaneity Enjoying Nourishing Foods Cutting back on simple carbohydrates Getting your fill of vegetables and fruits Powering up with protein Feeding your brain healthy fats Banning all comments about bodies, weight, and food Building Healthy Relationships Checking relationship vitals Having some fun Taking breaks from one another Getting Your Body in Motion for Joy and Health Avoiding the Stuff That Doesn’t Serve You Seeking the Support of a Four-Legged Friend Chapter 13 Communicating Effectively Setting the Stage Choosing the right time and place Establishing ground rules Watching what you say Keeping a neutral tone Being sensitive to posture, position, and body language Adding mood symptoms to the mix Avoiding the Four Big Tiff-Makers Criticism Judgment Demand Blame Becoming Less Confrontational with “I” Statements Validating Other People’s Feelings Disengaging from Unproductive Conflicts Chapter 14 Solving Problems and Resolving Conflict Setting the Stage for Effective Problem Solving Identifying the Problem Redefining the Problem/Conflict: From Right Versus Wrong to Unmet Needs Brainstorming Possible Solutions Planning and Implementing Agreed-Upon Solutions Avoiding Unproductive Approaches Letting Go of Problems You Can’t Solve on Your Own Chapter 15 Planning Ahead for a Mood Episode Teaming Up with Your Care Providers Thwarting a Mood Episode Scoping Out Psychiatric Facilities Documenting Essential Information Signing Releases . . . Or Not Release of information authorization Power of attorney Advanced directive Part 5 Dealing with the Fallout Chapter 16 From Hospitalization to Recovery Coming to Terms with Hospitalization Knowing What to Expect Seeing the doctor Adjusting your medications Engaging in therapy Looking into seclusion and restraint policies Exploring variations in visiting hours Knowing about how long you’ll stay Getting released Knowing Your Patient Rights Making Your Stay More Comfortable Keeping Your Team in the Loop Making Recovery Your Top Priority Anticipating the aftershock Mastering the art of self-care Assessing your needs and asking for and accepting help Getting used to saying no Retreating to a safe, quiet place Following your doctor’s orders Reclaiming Your Life Knowing when you’re ready Returning to friends and family Chapter 17 Returning to Work . . . or Not Reality Check: Are You Ready to Return to Work? Getting Back into the Swing of Things Disclosing Your Diagnosis . . . or Not Weighing the pros and cons of disclosure Talking to supervisors and coworkers Requesting Workplace Accommodations Finding More Suitable Work Dreaming up your ideal work situation Taking a skills and interests inventory Pursuing your dream job Is Not Returning to Work Right for You? Chapter 18 Overcoming Financial Setbacks The Public Mental Health System Surveying available resources Accessing local financial support Public systems in Canada and the U.K. Filing for Disability Benefits Meeting the guidelines Improving your chances of approval Exploring Health Insurance Options Low- or No-Cost Healthcare Resources Tracking down a university medical center program Finding peer support Contacting religious organizations Prescription assistance programs Negotiating payment with a psychiatrist or therapist Other Ways to Survive the Hard Times Asking family and friends for help Finding temporary financial relief Government safety net programs Part 6 Assisting a Friend or Relative with Bipolar Disorder Chapter 19 Supporting Your Loved One Establishing the Right Mindset Forming realistic expectations Disassociating the disorder from the one you love Figuring out how not to take it personally Nurturing a Sense of Empathy and Curiosity Recognizing Your Limitations Doing what you can Recognizing what you can’t do Remaining Vigilant for Warning Signs Knowing when to step in Knowing when to step back Making a deal: Drawing up a contract Helping Someone Who Refuses Help Taking action in an emergency Expressing your concerns Calling the doctor or therapist Contacting a local support group Contacting a local mental health center Considering involuntary hospitalization Taking Care of Yourself Chapter 20 Dealing with Crisis Situations Consulting Your Loved One’s Doctor or Therapist Discussing the Emergency Plan Figuring out how involved to be Determining when to intervene Knowing whom to call for help Deciding where to go Responding in a Crisis Suicidal threats or attempts Agitated behavior Reckless driving Overspending Hypersexual behavior Substance abuse Runaways and disappearances Arrests Chapter 21 Supporting Your Bipolar Child or Teen Recognizing the Diagnostic Difficulties Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder in Children Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Identifying shared symptoms of mania and ADHD Distinguishing bipolar from ADHD Considering comorbidity: ADHD and bipolar Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) Unipolar depression Sorting out depression in children and teens Recognizing depression in your child Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder Anxiety disorders Trauma Autism spectrum disorders Toxic exposures Requesting a Professional Evaluation Finding the right doctor Knowing what to do when seeking help Breaking Out the Treatment Toolbox Considering medication issues Understanding the diagnosis and treatment plan Parenting a Child with Bipolar Disorder Fine-tuning your parenting skills Tending to school matters Taking advantage of available services Educating the educators about bipolar disorder Practicing lifestyle management Recognizing red flags for suicide Part 7 The Part of Tens Chapter 22 Ten Tips for Managing Bipolar Team Up with Your Doctor and Therapist Take Medications as Prescribed Regulate Your Sleep Develop Daily Routines Build Mindfulness and Other Self-Centering Skills Clearly Communicate Your Needs Avoid Alcohol, Stimulants, and Other Counterproductive Substances Monitor Your Moods Identify Your Early Warning Signs Get Help at the First Sign of Trouble Chapter 23 Ten Ways to Help a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder Find Out More about Bipolar Disorder Treat Your Loved One with Respect Hone Your Communication Skills Become a Problem Solver Disengage When Tensions Rise Keep Detailed Records Partner with Your Loved One Brush Up on Medications Flex Your Expectations Enjoy Your Life Index EULA