Dr. Mondimore has written a book on bipolar disorder which will appeal not only to the newly diagnosed but also to those who have lived knowingly with the illness for many years.  This is a book for sufferers and their loved ones, friends and coworkers.  Bipolar Disorder offers readers current information on every aspect of the illness.

Dr. Mondimore overcomes the difficulties in discussing the symptoms of bipolar disorder with well chosen vignettes detailing the experiences of individuals suffering from bipolar illness.  He describes changes in one's mood and changes in one's body, making clear the differences among manic states, depressed states as well as the more confusing mixed states often associated with this illness.

Because bipolar illness takes many forms, recognition of the problem, even diagnosis, can be difficult.   Too often individuals do not seek help because their symptoms do not sound exactly like those listed for a mood disorder.  Mondimore reviews different types of bipolar disorder and discusses their clinical course, thus eliminating some confusion.

Mondimore includes a summary of the category of bipolar disorder as it is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Version IV (DSM-IV).  This section is very technical.   However, the flow of the book is not affected if readers choose to skip this chapter.

This book also details the history of medicine's understanding of bipolar disorder, including an understandable discussion of brain chemistry and how different medications generally work.  Information regarding a variety of options used in the treatment of bipolar disorder including therapy and ECT is included.  Mondimore also addresses new treatments such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and herbal remedies such as St. Johns Wort.

Some of those afflicted with bipolar disorder have specialized problems.  Mondimore devotes a section of the book to some of these concerns including issues related to children, teens, women, people with substance abuse problems and/or other medical conditions.  Questions of genetics and creativity as related to bipolar illness are also discussed.

The last few chapters may be the ones those suffering from bipolar value the most - getting better and staying that way.  Mondimore gives many suggestions on how to manage bipolar disorder in  day-to-day life.  It is an appropriate ending to a book that means to give readers hope and to give them the tools with which to manage their illness.

Mondimore points out that most people are more familiar with diseases which end when symptoms go away. Bipolar disorder can be difficult to understand.  This new book offers sufferers and their loved ones a comprehensive resource.