Moodswing: Dr. Fieve on Depression: The Eminent Psychiatrist Who Pioneered the Use of Lithium in America Reveals a Revolutionary

I was diagnosed as Bipolar back when the disorder was called plain old Manic-Depression. I had known something was wrong for about three years, but the lows weren't all that bad, and with a loving wife and four wonderful children, working fifty hours a week, and attending college full time, the non-stop stretches of 22 hour days were certainly very helpful. When I got to the point of being suicidal, at the pleading of some dear friends I finally sought help and I was put on Lithium. My shrink suggested I read Moodswing, and as I read it is was like reading "this is your life." The author is brilliant. This book is not an academic tome, the author does not get overly technical, and is easy to read and understand. If a statistic is off in some spot or the editing isn't perfect, that's life and it does not detract from the great value of this book. My point is simple - this is an excellent book for someone with bipolar disorder, or for someone with a loved one or family member who is bipolar, that is if they cares enough to try to understand. While staying off of the bandwagon, I am writing this review to point out something specific. I took Lithium for eleven years, and found it to be very effective. The book details how Dr. Fieve went to great extremes to find someone to market Lithium, for which I am thankful. Why was there a problem getting it to market, since it is helpful in approximately 70% of the people who use it? Lithium is a mineral salt, and as such even though there were clinical trials before it was approved by the FDA, Dr. Fieve found it difficult finding a company to market it, since it is rather difficult getting a patent on a naturally occurring mineral salt. I am not what some would consider a "health nut," and I don't believe "they" are out to get us, whoever "they" may be. Also, I do not reject conventional western medicine, and this is not a slam against the FDA or the pharmaceutical companies, just an acknowledgement that there are naturally occurring substances in nature that can help with medical conditions, and that without the protection of a patent there lacks a degree of willingness to market a helpful product when protection and a large profit margin are lacking. I know first hand that there are other naturally occurring nutrients that can help with Depression or Manic-Depression, but that's another story. Bottom line - this is a wonderful and helpful book. Enjoy life!

This is a nice little book on bipolar illness that won't choke you to death with scientific terminology or bore you silly. It's cheap and it won't take you months to read. Make it part of your library! Dr. Fieve opened the door for many people to take control of their lives and their healing. There are newer and more technical books available, but this one it very good.

When my mother's psychiatrist said, "Your mother is bipolar," I remember being dumbfounded and confused. Although I was vaguely familiar with the terms manic-depressive and bipolar (same disease) I didn't have any real understanding of the illness. The psychiatrist recommended that I read Moodswing, by Dr. Ronald Fieve. Immediately I bought a copy of the book - my hunger for the truth caused me to devour the book like a starving child - it was so well written and had such helpful information I consumed each page as if my life depended on it. To my amazement, I recognized my mother in almost every chapter, sometimes feeling as if Dr. Fieve was actually writing about her! Reading Moodswing gave me comfort and hope because my mother's erratic behavior suddenly had a name and a treatment. After reading Moodswing I understood, for the first time, why Mom behaves the way she does and what causes the "different" behavior. If you or someone you love is bipolar, you must read this book. It could save a life - it will most definitely change yours for the better.

I am the webowner of "Bipolar Disorder Sanctuary" and was quite excited to have found this book, not only for the visitors to my website but for myself as well. It discusses the BP in great deal as well as treatment information and I found it quite educational. This disorder affects 10-15% of the U.S. population and is quite complicated. Many patients continue to suffer after many trials of medications. My hope is that more books like this will be available not only to the public but to educate clincians as well.

I was dual-diagnosed two years ago and prescribed prozac. After a recent and brief hospitalization, I was diagnosed as bipolar II and prescribed depakote. I checked this book out at the library and found it to be simple and informative. In my journey to understand my own depression, I will continue searching for more information and answers. I am becoming more aware of the numbers of people who are afflicted with some type of depression. I say this book is worth reading. Take what you can, leave the rest.