12 Best Books for Bipolar Disorder for Adults
At Washington Psychological Wellness, a psychotherapy center in Gaithersburg, MD, we get asked the question all the time. What are the best books for Bipolar Disorder? Well, we asked our mental health clinicians and put together this list of recommended readings!
Want more recommended mental health book options? Check out our Books We Love section to discover a list of hand-picked resources!
Mad Like Me: Travels in Bipolar Country
by Merryl Hammond, PhD
Best Books for Adult Bipolar Disorder
Summary
Mad Like Me is a raw and deeply personal account of living with bipolar disorder. Written by Merryl Hammond, PhD, this memoir takes readers on a journey through the highs and lows of her experience with the condition. Hammond, a mental health professional herself, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder later in life, and her story offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of managing the illness.
The book is filled with honest reflections on her struggles, from the initial diagnosis to navigating the complexities of treatment and coping with the stigma often associated with mental illness. Hammond’s writing is both engaging and insightful, making it an inspiring read for anyone who has faced similar challenges.
What sets Mad Like Me apart is its blend of personal narrative and practical advice. Hammond doesn’t shy away from discussing the difficult moments, but she also offers hope and encouragement to others facing similar battles. Her story serves as a reminder that while bipolar disorder is a lifelong journey, it is possible to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder: The Essential Family Guide
by Aimee Daramus, PsyD
Best Books for Adult Bipolar Disorder
Summary
For families and loved ones of those with bipolar disorder, Understanding Bipolar Disorder by Aimee Daramus, PsyD, is an invaluable resource. This guide provides clear and concise information about the condition, helping families better understand what their loved one is going through and how they can offer support.
Daramus breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-understand language, making the book accessible to those with little to no background in mental health. She covers the different types of bipolar disorder, the symptoms, and the various treatment options available. The book also addresses the emotional and practical challenges that families may face, offering strategies for managing stress, improving communication, and creating a supportive environment.
One of the key strengths of this book is its focus on the family dynamic. Daramus emphasizes the importance of teamwork and mutual support, helping families navigate the ups and downs of bipolar disorder together. Whether you’re a parent, sibling, or partner, this book provides the tools you need to support your loved one while also taking care of yourself.
The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know
by David J. Miklowitz
Best Books for Adult Bipolar Disorder
Summary
The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide by David J. Miklowitz is a comprehensive and practical guide for both individuals with bipolar disorder and their families. Now in its third edition, this book has become a trusted resource for those seeking to better understand and manage the condition.
Miklowitz, a leading expert in the field, offers a wealth of information on topics such as recognizing early warning signs of mood swings, developing a treatment plan, and managing the day-to-day challenges of living with bipolar disorder. The book also covers the latest research on medication and therapy, helping readers make informed decisions about their care.
One of the standout features of this guide is its focus on self-management. Miklowitz provides practical tools and strategies for individuals with bipolar disorder to take control of their condition, from tracking mood changes to developing coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety. The book also includes helpful worksheets and checklists that make it easy to put these strategies into practice.
For families, The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide offers guidance on how to support a loved one while maintaining healthy boundaries and managing the emotional impact of the disorder. By providing clear, actionable advice, this book empowers both individuals and their families to navigate the challenges of bipolar disorder with confidence.
The Bipolar Workbook: Tools for Controlling Your Mood Swings
by Monica Ramirez Basco, PhD
Best Books for Adult Bipolar Disorder
Summary
The Bipolar Workbook by Monica Ramirez Basco, PhD, is an essential tool for anyone looking to gain better control over their mood swings. This workbook is designed to help individuals with bipolar disorder develop the skills they need to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
The book is filled with practical exercises and techniques that are grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), one of the most effective treatments for bipolar disorder. Basco guides readers through a step-by-step process of identifying triggers, challenging negative thoughts, and developing healthy coping strategies. The workbook format allows readers to actively engage with the material, making it a valuable resource for self-improvement.
One of the key strengths of The Bipolar Workbook is its focus on self-monitoring. Basco emphasizes the importance of tracking mood changes and identifying patterns, which can help individuals recognize early warning signs of mood swings and take preventive action. The book also provides guidance on managing stress, improving sleep, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle—all of which are crucial for stabilizing mood.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with bipolar disorder for years, The Bipolar Workbook offers practical tools that can help you take control of your condition and lead a more stable, fulfilling life.
The Bipolar Disorder Workbook: Powerful Tools and Practical Resources for Bipolar II and Cyclothymia
by Peter Forster, MD, and Gina Gregory, LCSW
Best Books for Adult Bipolar Disorder
Summary
For those living with Bipolar II and cyclothymia, The Bipolar Disorder Workbook by Peter Forster, MD, and Gina Gregory, LCSW, offers specialized guidance and practical tools for managing these specific forms of bipolar disorder. The book is designed to help individuals understand their condition and develop effective strategies for managing their symptoms.
Forster and Gregory provide a clear and comprehensive overview of Bipolar II and cyclothymia, explaining how these conditions differ from Bipolar I and what that means for treatment and management. The book is filled with practical exercises and worksheets that help readers identify triggers, track mood changes, and develop personalized coping strategies.
One of the standout features of this workbook is its focus on the unique challenges of Bipolar II and cyclothymia, such as managing hypomania and dealing with the often-overlooked symptoms of depression. The authors provide targeted strategies for addressing these challenges, helping readers find balance and stability in their daily lives.
In addition to practical tools, the book also offers guidance on building a strong support network, improving communication with loved ones, and navigating the healthcare system. Whether you’re dealing with recurring depression, hypomania, or anxiety, The Bipolar Disorder Workbook provides the resources you need to take control of your condition and improve your overall well-being.
The Bipolar II Disorder Workbook: Managing Recurring Depression, Hypomania, and Anxiety
by Stephanie McMurrich Roberts, PhD
Best Books for Adult Bipolar Disorder
Summary
The Bipolar II Disorder Workbook by Stephanie McMurrich Roberts, PhD, offers a specialized approach to managing Bipolar II disorder. This workbook is designed to help individuals understand and manage the unique challenges of Bipolar II, including recurring depression, hypomania, and anxiety.
Roberts provides a comprehensive overview of Bipolar II disorder, explaining how it differs from other forms of bipolar disorder and what that means for treatment and management. The book is filled with practical exercises and worksheets that help readers track their mood changes, identify triggers, and develop personalized coping strategies.
One of the key strengths of this workbook is its focus on managing the emotional rollercoaster of Bipolar II. Roberts offers targeted strategies for dealing with the highs of hypomania and the lows of depression, helping readers find balance and stability in their daily lives. The book also addresses the anxiety that often accompanies Bipolar II, providing practical tools for managing stress and reducing anxiety.
In addition to practical tools, the book also offers guidance on improving relationships, building a strong support network, and navigating the healthcare system. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with Bipolar II for years, The Bipolar II Disorder Workbook provides the resources you need to take control of your condition and improve your overall well-being.
Loving Someone with Borderline Personality Disorder: How to Keep Out-of-Control Emotions from Destroying Your Relationship
by Shari Y. Manning, PhD
Best Books for Adult Bipolar Disorder
Summary
While this book primarily focuses on borderline personality disorder (BPD), Loving Someone with Borderline Personality Disorder by Shari Y. Manning, PhD, offers valuable insights for anyone in a relationship with someone who has a mood disorder, including bipolar disorder. Manning provides practical advice for managing the emotional challenges that can arise in these relationships, helping partners maintain healthy, supportive connections.
The book is divided into sections that address different aspects of the relationship, from understanding the impact of mood disorders on emotions to developing effective communication strategies. Manning emphasizes the importance of empathy and validation, offering techniques for managing conflict and reducing emotional intensity.
One of the standout features of this book is its focus on building resilience in relationships. Manning provides practical tools for strengthening the bond between partners, even in the face of challenging emotions. Whether you’re dealing with out-of-control emotions or navigating the ups and downs of bipolar disorder, this book offers valuable guidance for maintaining a healthy and supportive relationship.
The Bipolar Relationship: How to Understand, Help, and Love Your Partner
by Nancy Rosenfeld, Jon P. Bloch, and Bernard Golden
Best Books for Adult Bipolar Disorder
Summary
The Bipolar Relationship by Nancy Rosenfeld, Jon P. Bloch, and Bernard Golden is an essential guide for couples navigating the unique challenges that bipolar disorder can bring to a relationship. This book offers a comprehensive look at how bipolar disorder affects relationships and provides practical tools for partners to better understand, support, and communicate with their loved ones.
The authors combine their professional expertise and personal experiences to address a wide range of issues, from managing the emotional ups and downs of bipolar disorder to handling conflicts that arise due to mood swings. They provide clear, actionable advice on how to improve communication, set healthy boundaries, and maintain intimacy despite the challenges posed by the disorder.
One of the standout features of The Bipolar Relationship is its focus on both partners’ perspectives. The authors emphasize the importance of empathy and mutual support, encouraging couples to work together as a team to manage the condition. The book also includes practical exercises and case studies that illustrate the strategies discussed, making it a valuable resource for couples at any stage of their relationship.
Whether you’re in the early stages of a relationship or have been together for years, The Bipolar Relationship offers insights and tools that can help you build a stronger, more resilient partnership while managing the complexities of bipolar disorder.
When Someone You Love Is Bipolar: Help and Support for You and Your Partner
by Cynthia G. Last, PhD
Best Books for Adult Bipolar Disorder
Summary
Cynthia G. Last, PhD, offers a compassionate and comprehensive guide for those supporting a partner with bipolar disorder in When Someone You Love Is Bipolar. Drawing from her personal experiences as a clinical psychologist and someone living with bipolar disorder, Last provides practical advice for navigating the challenges that can arise in relationships affected by the condition.
The book covers crucial aspects such as understanding bipolar disorder, recognizing the symptoms, and responding effectively during manic and depressive episodes. Last emphasizes the importance of self-care for the partner, acknowledging that the emotional toll of supporting a loved one with bipolar disorder can be significant. She offers strategies for maintaining personal well-being while also providing effective support to the partner with bipolar disorder.
What makes this book stand out is its focus on balance—helping readers understand how to support their loved ones without losing sight of their own needs. When Someone You Love Is Bipolar is an essential resource for anyone seeking to create a stable, loving relationship while managing the complexities of bipolar disorder.
Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder: Understanding and Helping Your Partner
by Julie A. Fast and John D. Preston, PsyD
Best Books for Adult Bipolar Disorder
Summary
In Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder, Julie A. Fast and Dr. John D. Preston offer a practical and supportive guide for partners of individuals with bipolar disorder. The authors, both experts in the field, combine personal experience and professional knowledge to provide readers with tools and strategies for managing the unique challenges that arise in relationships affected by bipolar disorder.
The book is structured around the concept of “Loving with Limits,” a strategy that encourages partners to set healthy boundaries while still offering support and understanding. Fast and Preston provide actionable advice on how to handle mood swings, communicate effectively, and foster a strong relationship, even during difficult times.
One of the strengths of this book is its focus on education and empowerment. Fast and Preston emphasize the importance of understanding bipolar disorder and its effects on both the individual and the relationship. By equipping partners with knowledge and strategies, Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder helps create a more supportive and balanced partnership.
Bipolar Disorder (3rd Edition): A Guide for Patients and Families
by Francis Mark Mondimore, MD
Best Books for Adult Bipolar Disorder
Summary
Dr. Francis Mark Mondimore’s Bipolar Disorder is a comprehensive guide that has become a staple for both patients and families seeking to understand and manage the condition. In its third edition, this book offers updated information on the latest treatments, research, and strategies for living with bipolar disorder.
Mondimore, a renowned psychiatrist, explains bipolar disorder in clear, accessible language, covering everything from diagnosis and treatment options to the emotional and social aspects of the condition. The book provides a thorough overview of medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes that can help manage bipolar disorder, making it a valuable resource for both individuals with the condition and their loved ones.
What sets this book apart is its emphasis on practical advice and real-life examples. Mondimore shares stories of patients and their families, illustrating how the strategies discussed in the book can be applied in everyday life. Bipolar Disorder is an essential resource for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the condition and how to manage it effectively.
Mindfulness for Bipolar Disorder: How Mindfulness and Neuroscience Can Help You Manage Your Bipolar Symptoms
by William R. Marchand, MD
Best Books for Adult Bipolar Disorder
Summary
In Mindfulness for Bipolar Disorder, Dr. William R. Marchand combines the principles of mindfulness with the latest research in neuroscience to offer a unique approach to managing bipolar symptoms. Marchand, a psychiatrist and mindfulness teacher, provides practical exercises and techniques that can help individuals with bipolar disorder reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance overall well-being.
The book introduces readers to mindfulness practices such as meditation, breathing exercises, and body awareness, explaining how these techniques can help manage the mood swings associated with bipolar disorder. Marchand also delves into the neuroscience behind these practices, offering insights into how mindfulness can positively impact brain function and emotional stability.
One of the key strengths of this book is its focus on integrating mindfulness into daily life. Marchand provides step-by-step instructions for incorporating mindfulness into everyday activities, making it accessible even for those new to the practice. Mindfulness for Bipolar Disorder is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to complement their traditional treatment with mindfulness-based strategies for managing bipolar disorder.
About Washington Psychological Wellness
At Washington Psychological Wellness, our therapists have extensive training, experience, and insights to treat a wide variety of mood disorders, including bipolar disorder. Our therapists specialize in helping clients manage the complex symptoms of bipolar disorder, such as mood swings, episodes of mania or hypomania, and periods of depression. We understand that bipolar disorder can have a profound impact on your daily life, relationships, and emotional well-being.
Bipolar disorder treatment at Washington Psychological Wellness often includes personalized strategies to stabilize mood, reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes, and improve overall functioning. Our treatment modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mood stabilization techniques, are designed to meet your specific needs and help you regain balance and control in your life.
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