A concise, essential guide to living with bipolar disorder by an internationally known expert. When a diagnosis of bipolar disorder enters your life, you may not be sure where to turn for accurate information about this potentially devastating but treatable illness. Whether you yourself have been diagnosed, or a spouse, parent, child, friend, or employee has developed the illness, the need for information and advice is acute. Presenting the essentials of diagnosis and treatment clearly and succinctly, leading psychiatrist Dr. Francis Mark Mondimore distills everything you need to know about bipolar disorder in this new indispensable guide. In down-to-earth language, Dr. Mondimore explains what bipolar disorder is and how you (or your loved one) can live your best life with the help of medications, therapy, the support of family and friends, and medical care. An extensive list of references is included, along with additional suggested reading materials and online resources. Realistic clinical descriptions and anecdotes reflecting on fascinating historical details associated with this condition provide further information. The Concise Guide to Bipolar Disorder is an excellent up-to-date resource for the newly diagnosed or those seeking rapid answers to the most common questions about bipolar disorder. Past Praise for Books by Francis Mark Mondimore, MD "Offers advice on how to live with bipolar disorder, and how not to become its victim."-Large Print Reviews "An enlightened, pragmatic, and empathic resource for this very complex and challenging illness."-Journal of Clinical Psychiatry "An absolute gold mine for those with the disorder and their families: thorough, candid, and up-to-date advice, full of new possibilities for help."-Kirkus Reviews

The vital resource for people with bipolar disorder and their loved ones, completely updated. Winner of the American Book Fest Best Book Award in Health - Psychology/Mental Health by the American Book Fest Compassionate and comprehensive, Dr. Francis Mondimore's pathbreaking guide has helped thousands of people and their loved ones cope with bipolar disorder. Now in its fourth edition, Bipolar Disorder has been totally revised and reorganized to reflect dramatic improvements in the treatment of the illness, as well as numerous scientific breakthroughs that have increased our understanding of its causes. With insight and sensitivity, Dr. Mondimore * surveys new medications for treating bipolar disorder, including ketamine, exploring the benefits and potential side effects * reviews the scientific studies that back up claims for recommended botanicals and nutritional supplements, such as omega-3s and NAC, and tells you which ones to leave on the shelf * expands the chapter on brain stimulation treatments to include new transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) devices and techniques such as "deep TMS" and "theta-burst TMS," as well as new details about vagal nerve stimulation * describes the emerging field of pharmacogenomics: the science of using a patient's genetic profile to improve the selection and dosing of medications * examines the important relationship between bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder while discussing why one or the other diagnosis is often overlooked in persons who have both * lays out recommended lifestyle changes and practical approaches to managing the illness better, planning for emergencies, building a support system, dealing with insurance and legal issues, and defining the role of the family A section called "What Causes Bipolar Disorder" has been added to this new edition. Dr. Mondimore also discusses the role that talk therapy, including specialized forms of cognitive behavioral therapy and family-focused therapy, can play in managing the disorder. Throughout the book, Dr. Mondimore has added sidebars on fascinating details about the history of this disorder and its treatment.

In Adolescent Depression, psychiatrists Francis Mark Mondimore, MD, and Patrick Kelly, MD, explain that serious depression in adolescents goes beyond "moodiness." Depression is in fact an illness-one that can be effectively treated. The authors describe the many forms of depression and the many symptoms of depression in young people-from sadness to irritability, self-harm, drug and alcohol abuse, and violent rages. Incorporating the latest research from the field of adolescent psychiatry, this comprehensive and compassionate guide answers questions that many parents have, including: What are the symptoms of depression in teenagers? How is depression diagnosed? What is the difference between depression and bipolar disorder, and which does my child have? How can I find the best mental health professional team for my child? What kinds of counseling and psychotherapy are available? Are medications safe, and how does a doctor choose a medication for my child? What can I do if my adolescent is using alcohol, crystal meth, marijuana, or other substances? How do autism and Asperger's syndrome, eating disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, ADHD, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder interact with depression? What should I do if I sense that my child is in danger? With all of this going on, how can I take care of myself?

A concise, essential guide to living with bipolar disorder by an internationally known expert. When a diagnosis of bipolar disorder enters your life, you may not be sure where to turn for accurate information about this potentially devastating but treatable illness. Whether you yourself have been diagnosed, or a spouse, parent, child, friend, or employee has developed the illness, the need for information and advice is acute. Presenting the essentials of diagnosis and treatment clearly and succinctly, leading psychiatrist Dr. Francis Mark Mondimore distills everything you need to know about bipolar disorder in this new indispensable guide. In down-to-earth language, Dr. Mondimore explains what bipolar disorder is and how you (or your loved one) can live your best life with the help of medications, therapy, the support of family and friends, and medical care. An extensive list of references is included, along with additional suggested reading materials and online resources. Realistic clinical descriptions and anecdotes reflecting on fascinating historical details associated with this condition provide further information. The Concise Guide to Bipolar Disorder is an excellent up-to-date resource for the newly diagnosed or those seeking rapid answers to the most common questions about bipolar disorder. Past Praise for Books by Francis Mark Mondimore, MD "Offers advice on how to live with bipolar disorder, and how not to become its victim."-Large Print Reviews "An enlightened, pragmatic, and empathic resource for this very complex and challenging illness."-Journal of Clinical Psychiatry "An absolute gold mine for those with the disorder and their families: thorough, candid, and up-to-date advice, full of new possibilities for help."-Kirkus Reviews

In Adolescent Depression, psychiatrists Francis Mark Mondimore, MD, and Patrick Kelly, MD, explain that serious depression in adolescents goes beyond "moodiness." Depression is in fact an illness-one that can be effectively treated. The authors describe the many forms of depression and the many symptoms of depression in young people - from sadness to irritability, self-harm, drug and alcohol abuse, and violent rages. Incorporating the latest research from the field of adolescent psychiatry, this comprehensive and compassionate guide answers questions that many parents have, including: what are the symptoms of depression in teenagers? How is depression diagnosed? What is the difference between depression and bipolar disorder, and which does my child have? How can I find the best mental health professional team for my child? What kinds of counseling and psychotherapy are available? Are medications safe, and how does a doctor choose a medication for my child? What can I do if my adolescent is using alcohol, crystal meth, marijuana, or other substances? How do autism and Asperger's syndrome, eating disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, ADHD, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder interact with depression? What should I do if I sense that my child is in danger? With all of this going on, how can I take care of myself?

The vital resource for people with bipolar disorder and their loved ones, completely updated. Winner of the American Book Fest Best Book Award in Health - Psychology/Mental Health by the American Book Fest Compassionate and comprehensive, Dr. Francis Mondimore's pathbreaking guide has helped thousands of people and their loved ones cope with bipolar disorder. Now in its fourth edition, Bipolar Disorder has been totally revised and reorganized to reflect dramatic improvements in the treatment of the illness, as well as numerous scientific breakthroughs that have increased our understanding of its causes. With insight and sensitivity, Dr. Mondimore • surveys new medications for treating bipolar disorder, including ketamine, exploring the benefits and potential side effects • reviews the scientific studies that back up claims for recommended botanicals and nutritional supplements, such as omega-3s and NAC, and tells you which ones to leave on the shelf • expands the chapter on brain stimulation treatments to include new transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) devices and techniques such as "deep TMS" and "theta-burst TMS," as well as new details about vagal nerve stimulation • describes the emerging field of pharmacogenomics: the science of using a patient's genetic profile to improve the selection and dosing of medications • examines the important relationship between bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder while discussing why one or the other diagnosis is often overlooked in persons who have both • lays out recommended lifestyle changes and practical approaches to managing the illness better, planning for emergencies, building a support system, dealing with insurance and legal issues, and defining the role of the family A section called "What Causes Bipolar Disorder" has been added to this new edition. Dr. Mondimore also discusses the role that talk therapy, including specialized forms of cognitive behavioral therapy and family-focused therapy, can play in managing the disorder. Throughout the book, Dr. Mondimore has added sidebars on fascinating details about the history of this disorder and its treatment.

Depression is a mood disorder that affects one in ten Americans in any given year. At one time too stigmatized to be mentioned in polite conversation, depression is now discussed frankly in the media, and advertisements for drug therapy appear everywhere. The third edition of this widely acclaimed book reflects changes in how mood disorders are thought about, and how they are treated.

Dr. Francis Mark Mondimore, author of the best-selling book Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families, here explains depression -- its causes and symptoms, and its treatment. He discusses depression in all age groups and in both sexes, as well as bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorders, and depression that accompanies illness. This edition encompasses more than a decade of new research, advances in pharmacology, and changes in public perception.

The past ten years have seen the release of new forms of the major antidepressants as well as other promising new avenues in pharmaceutical treatments. For example "atypical" or "second generation" antidepressants, such as venlafaxine and duloxetine, provide different ways of manipulating the chemical systems in the brain concerned with mood. And there have been significant advances in the use of MAO inhibitors, now available in patch form.

Dr. Mondimore reviews these and other pharmacological therapies as part of a comprehensive approach to treatment that includes psychotherapy, family and community support, and lifestyle changes. Full of information compassionately presented, this guide provides hope and help to patients and their families.

A terrible sin, a gift from the gods, a mental illness, a natural human variation--over the centuries people have defined homosexuality in all of these ways. Since the word "homosexual" was coined in 1869, many scientists in a variety of fields have sought to understand same-sex intimacy. Drawing on recent insights in biology and genetics, psychiatrist Francis Mondimore set out to explore the complex landscape of sexual orientation.

The result is "A Natural History of Homosexuality," a generous work that synthesizes research in biology, history, psychology, and politics to explain how homosexuality has been understood and defined from ancient times until the present. Mondimore narrates tales of love and courage as well as discrimination and bigotry in settings as diverse as ancient Greece and Victorian England, early America and fin de siecle Vienna. He also tells fascinating stories about societies which accepted, incorporated, or institutionalized homosexuality into mainstream culture, stories illustrating that same-sex eroticism was often accepted as a normal aspect of human sexuality. In twentieth-century America, researchers first recognized that homosexuality might not be "pathological" when Alfred Kinsey and Evelyn Hooker conducted the first studies of sexuality not biased by preconceived notions of "normal" sexual behavior.

After exploring sexual development in the human fetus, Mondimore reviews current biological research into the nature of sexual orientation and examines recent scientific findings on the role of heredity and hormones, as well as Simon LeVay's 1991 brain studies. He then turns to a very important focus: on people and their individual experiences. He explores "what happens between childhood and adulthood in an individual that makes him or her come to identify himself or herself as having a sexual orientation." He also explains our current understanding of bisexuality and the transgender phenomena of transsexualism and transvestism.

Finally, Mondimore analyzes the circumstances of such prominent scandals as the anti-homosexual trials of Oscar Wilde and Philip von Eulenberg, and recounts the Nazi persecution of homosexuals during the Holocaust. This far-reaching discussion includes a description of the ex-gay ministries and reparative therapy as well as the Stonewall riots and AIDS, ending with the emergence of gay pride and community.

"The preponderance of the scientific evidence is converging on a view which homosexual people have had of themselves for as long as any had the courage to record it," writes Mondimore. "Homosexuality is a natural, abiding, normal sexuality for some people. It is not a disease state, not simply a behavior, and not subject to change."

"Thoughtful and readable. Dr. Mondimore tells us an enormous amount about homosexuality in a lively manner. This book belongs on the bookshelf of anyone who wants to be informed about this important subject."--Richard A. Isay, M.D., clinical professor of psychiatry, Cornell University Medical College, and author of "Becoming Gay: The Journey to Self-Acceptance"

Until recently, psychologists and psychiatrists believed that adolescents did not experience true depression in the way that adults do. Medical experts now realize that young people can and do get seriously depressed, and that depression and bipolar disorder may be more serious and more difficult to treat in adolescents than in adults. Depression may also be harder to recognize as an illness, both because moodiness is considered universal among teenagers and because parents often resist having their child treated for a psychiatric illness that they think--and often hope--will be "just a phase."

In "Adolescent Depression: A Guide for Parents," Johns Hopkins psychiatrist Francis Mondimore helps parents understand that serious depression in adolescents is an illness--an illness that can be effectively treated. He describes the many forms of depression and the many ways it can appear in young people--from intensely sad feelings to irritability, anger, and destructive rages. And he answers parents' questions, including: What are the danger signals of serious depression in teenagers? How are mood disorders diagnosed? How do medications work? What about talking therapies? How does depression relate to other problems, such as drug abuse, ADHD, and eating disorders and other self-injurious behavior? Of the one in five adults who go through a period of serious depression during their lifetime, many had their first experience of depression as teenagers. This comprehensive and compassionate guide detailing the symptoms, treatments, complications, and causes of adolescent depression provides parents with the information they need to ensure that their children receive the best possible treatment and become happy and healthy adults.