Francis Mark Mondimore

After I was diagnosed with severe bipolar I disorder with psychotic features in early February I knew that I would want to read as much about this condition as I could. I greatly appreciated reading about the life of Dr Kay Redfield Jamison in her fabulous book "An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness", but I realized that my case was very different from hers. I was diagnosed in my early 60s, not at the age of 14, and even though I received the exact diagnosis she did my condition didn't seem to be anywhere near as bad as hers — or, at least I hoped not. This book, which ironically is written by a colleague of Dr Jamison's in the Department of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins, was exactly what I needed. Reading it confirmed that the diagnosis I received was the correct one, with the possible minor exception that my case is "severe", and that took away the small concern I had that I had another condition that mimicked bipolar disorder.

I initially borrowed "Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families", the 3rd edition of this book, from my county library system, but about halfway through I realized that this was a book that I needed to have on hand for frequent reference, especially in the early stages of this illness, and for use if I were to suffer a relapse, and others could use this book to help me in case of a manic, depressive or suicidal crisis.

The book is divided into several parts. In the first, Normal and Abnormal Mood, Dr Mondimore describes what makes the episodes of mania, hypomania and depression different, and far more worrisome, than the simple variations of mood that non-afflicted people experience. Reading this section allowed me to distinguish my normal thoughts from the very abnormal ones I had during my manic episodes and psychotic break. Next is a breakdown of the different types of bipolar disorder, and a history of bipolar disorder, with special mention given to the great German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin, the first physician to describe bipolar disorder, and the Australian psychiatrist John Cade, who discovered that lithium was an incredibly effective treatment for the disease.

Part II discusses the various treatments for bipolar disorder, including the large increase in effective medications for the condition, specifically mood stabilizers and antipsychotics, although cognitive behavioral therapy and brain-stimulation treatments are also mentioned. Part III discusses, to some degree, what causes bipolar disorder, which is far less known than the medications that can be beneficial. Part IV discusses bipolar disorder in children and women, and the role that alcohol use and abuse can play in worsening the condition. Part V is arguably the most important one of the book, as it emphasizes the importance of taking medications regularly — many people and certainly all medical students have seen someone in the midst of a manic episode, and it is a frightening thing to behold. This section also encourages those of us with bipolar disorder to build a support network, and find out what to do if you experience a crisis, and which emergency departments and hospitals will be covered by your insurance plan (I’ll start working on that this weekend!). Families of those with bipolar disorder should know to look at the end of this part, in order to help their loved one in a crisis. Finally, Part VI serves as a summary of where we’re at with bipolar disorder, and current research that may someday make this a condition that can be cured, rather than controlled.

"Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for You & Your Loved Ones" was an excellent follow up to "An Unquiet Mind", and is essential reading for anyone who either has or knows someone with this disorder.… (mer)

Bipolar disorder (previously termed manic-depression) is a serious mental illness and requires medication and often counseling to treat. This mood disorder increases the likelihood of suicidal outcomes. Though relatively common, many patients find coping with the illness difficult. First, the patient must come to terms with his/her own frailty. Then, the patient must find appropriate help for the ailment. Finally, she/he must educate a support structure to handle future difficulties with the illness. Fortunately, this scientific guide provides much insight in one place about all the issues today’s patients must confront.

Mondimore is an eminent psychiatrist and clinician at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He writes with obvious empathy and knowledge borne from much study and experience. Main topics covered include defining the disease, treatments, causes, variations, connections with other conditions, and getting and staying better. The book can serve as a comprehensive “driver’s manual” to this difficult disorder.

Often, a newly diagnosed patient does not know where to turn for more information about their condition. The amount of change required to deal with bipolar disorder can be overwhelming. This work, now in a fourth edition (meaning that it’s proven helpful for over a decade), presents the latest science and clinical wisdom. If you are a new patient and want to get on with your life by overcoming your new illness, Mondimore’s guide will provide you with almost all of the information you need.

As advertised, this book is especially geared to bipolar patients, whether new or longstanding, and to those who support them in life. Clinicians and counselors might also find it helpful in helping their own clients achieve success in life. It’s filled with science and pearls gained from medical expertise (and annotated with copious endnotes), not just helpful tips common in similar books. Along with the works of Kay Redfield Jamison (another Hopkins clinician), this work stands to help a generation of those sick with this serious mental illness.… (mer)

Excellent resource. Not only does the author describe symptoms and treatment options, he also goes into the history of the diagnosis, including early treatment methods that didn't work and ones that did but were neglected for decades. For example, in the wake of WWII, highly effective therapeutic treatments developed by German doctors were discarded after the revelation of abuses inflicted on victims of the Nazis. Informative, well-written, and sympathetic, this is not a one-size-fits-all book but a description of a broad spectrum that recognizes as many manifestations, prognoses, and possibilities as there are persons with the disorder. Highly recommended for anyone diagnosed or living with someone who is.… (mer)

As a parent to a child with pediatric bipolar disorder I am constantly in search of new resources that will help ease the day to day digressions, which occur with this roller coaster diagnosis. I am continuously learning new concepts, as I struggle to meet the demanding needs of my child. As the months have passed since her diagnosis, I have found myself more accepting of her future and not feeling so helpless. With newer resources and a better understanding of the disease, my child has a much brighter future. This book is a great resource that dives into the many aspects of bipolar and covers all facets of the disease. It discusses both childhood and adult bipolar disorder; as well as other mood disorders. This book is geared toward the family members, so it is written very well. It is made for the parents to understand and covers medical terminology in a more broken down manner. Historical aspects of the disease are included which covers medication, diagnostics, and hospitalization.

This book is an absolute must for those that have a child who is battling this challenging disorder. I believe the only real issue that I had was the fact that it was a little out dated. I am curious to see if there is an updated version of the book. So much of the information is still applicable today, but there are many more medications made available now than there was when the book was published. I am very happy to have picked this book up and it was very helpful in my studies and has been useful in my attempt to better understand my child’s illness. I have to recommend this book and I wish other parents the best of luck in there research on bipolar or mental health in general.… (mer)