Bipolar Workbook: Tools for Controlling Your Mood Swings by Monica Ramirez Basco

Product Details

Synopsis

Living with bipolar disorder is a lifelong challenge. Those who struggle with the illness have to learn effective ways to control their mood swings, avoid relapse, and get the most from medication-based treatments. This workbook delivers a hands-on resource that gives sufferers the edge they need. Based on proven cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, the book offers a variety of tools that enable readers to recognize the early warning signs of an oncoming episode, develop plans for withstanding the seductive pull of manic episodes, and escape the paralysis of depression. Specific chapters address key challenges at various stages, from overcoming denial of the initial diagnosis to fine-tuning treatments and maintaining gains.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Nicholas Greco IV, MS, BCETS, CATSM (College of Lake County)
Description:This workbook successfully guides patients through the course of their illness at an easy-to-understand level and is specific to various stages of the illness. It will help patients gain awareness, understanding, knowledge, and ownership of their illness.
Purpose:This book is designed to help guide the reader through the early warning signs of relapse, how to resist the urge of a manic episode, and manage the depression that unfortunately occurs. This book gives readers power — power to take control of their illness through proven step-by-step self-help techniques. It is quite clear that two themes emerge. The first is that this workbook provides a trusted resource to turn to, and second, it is a means of promoting an increased therapeutic relationship with one's treating clinician.
Audience:Every patient who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder will find this to be a most beneficial resource. Notably, clinicians will enjoy sharing the exercises and tools with their patients as well. The author is one of the most well regarded members of the mental health field.
Features:The book is well structured into four sections that cover awareness of the illness, taking precautions to prevent relapse, reducing and controlling symptoms, and making changes to enhance progress. It does not take away the responsibility and ownership that the patient has for their illness. It promotes stability, medication compliance, management of emotions, and a proactive stance for one to retain recovery.
Assessment:This is, undoubtedly, one ofthe best workbooks on bipolar disorder in a long time. It is thorough, realistic, and should be given to all bipolar patients as part of their treatment plan. Highly recommended!!

Biography

Monica Ramirez Basco, PhD, is an internationally recognized expert in cognitive-behavioral therapy, a clinical psychologist in private practice, and a founding fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. She is on the Psychology faculty at the University of Texas at Arlington, with a secondary appointment in Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Her books include bestsellers Never Good Enough and The Bipolar Workbook.