Why Am I Up, Why Am I Down?: Understanding Bipolar Disorder

I have recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder after being misdiagnosed with depression for 10 years and this book made a lot of sense. I liked that it addressed the suicide issue, because most books don't mention suicide hardly at all. It stated that bipolar disorder is the #1 reason for suicide in the U.S. The book is easy to read and very interesting for the bipolar person. I also read my husband some of the pertinent stuff I thought he should know. I learned a lot about ECT. It is obviously written by people who know what they're talking about.

As a person with Bipolar this book really explains everything very well that your doctor may not. This was very easy ready and very informative. Was up to date and the combination on psychology and biology was impressive. This book took it a step further than most and explained the causes and then the treatments and why these are needed.

As a sibling of someone with bipolar disease, I found this book to be most re-assuring. It was remarkably reader friendly, while at the same time offering up to date and thoughtful information. In addition, the book balances biology, psychology and the environment in understanding the causes and treatment of this disease. This is a great book for anyone who wants to know that there is clear and realistic optimism for treating bipolar disorder.

As someone who has wrestled with Manic Depression for years, this is the first book that provided me with realistic hope, tons of information, and direction as to how to seek care from an expert. Being a chemical engineer, it was most reassuring to learn of the many new scientific advances. I am now in treatment with a psychiatrist who specializes in Bipolar disorder. The future looks bright. This book was a major help towards that end.

As a fellow psychiatrist, I found this book to be remarkably informative, while at the same time both on the clinical cutting edge and appropriately hopeful. This is a must read for mental health professionals,bipolar patients and their loved ones.