Calming the Bipolar Storm is intended for patients with bipolar disorder, and anyone who loves or cares for them. This up-to-date work captures the rapidly advancing research and treatment strategies in the field of bipolar disorders. Discussing causes, presentation, onset, course, and treatments, the book encourages bipolar persons to set a healthy baseline, outlining five areas which promote good overall health in support of their particular circumstances: diet, exercise, sleep, avoiding substance misuse, and finding social support. In this context, Robert Fawcett, MD, discusses specific medications and their side effects, offering comparisons among them where possible. He describes other biological treatments such as herbs and supplements, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), bright light treatment and sleep deprivation. A discussion of psychotherapies for bipolar includes not only some of the evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal and social rhythm, and family-focused therapies, but also supportive therapy, which is what patients most commonly encounter. The book delves into specific areas such as pregnancy, suicide, bipolar youth, associated disorders, and late onset and secondary mania. Drawing from the author's experience treating patients with bipolar disorder for more than forty years and his extensive knowledge of the clinical literature Calming the Bipolar Storm presents an in depth, engaging review of bipolar disorder and its treatment, punctuated with case vignettes and interesting glimpses into the history behind today's concept of bipolar disorder and its treatments.
Robert G. Fawcett, MD, is president of Little Traverse Psychiatric Associates, P. C. He has lived in Petoskey, Michigan, for over forty years, practicing psychiatry, and at various times acting as medical director of an inpatient psychiatric unit, teaching medical students as an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry in the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, and serving as president of the Northern Michigan Medical Society.
Calming the Bipolar Storm describes bipolar disorder and its treatment, bringing the reader up-to date with rapidly progressing developments in this area of medicine.
A book like this has long been needed. While it is geared towards patients and their families, I cannot imagine any mental health professional not learning from it. In addition to his encyclopedic knowledge of medications, Dr. Fawcett examines numerous other treatment modalities and--given their breadth--does so in a surprisingly thorough manner. Dr. Fawcett provides numerous examples from his own extensive career of helping people, and consequently the book never becomes too abstract and textbook-like, a problem with many other medical works. Particularly fascinating is his delving into the historical background of the disease and its treatments. I myself have read books focusing on the history of bipolar disorder, but even so I learned much from this work. In Dr. Fawcett's hands the history is not merely a curiosity but provides a context to current treatment and issues.--Charles H. Lapo II, MD, JD, Laughlin Scholar, medical director, North Country Community Mental Health This is truly a remarkable book that is both a valuable contribution to the field of psychiatry and a godsend for families of patients with bipolar disorder. It is clear throughout the book that Dr. Fawcett is drawing upon his many years of involvement in the care of patients with severe mental illness. Although pitched at the level of the intelligent layperson, the breadth and scope of this review of virtually all aspects of this complex disorder would be useful for young psychiatrists studying for their board exam. The chapter that provides a historical account of the increasing knowledge of the illness was of particular interest, and the chapter outlining all the treatment options for bipolar mania, bipolar depression, and the maintenance phase of treatment provides an excellent detailed summary of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic modalities. Families will likely pay special attention to the chapter on suicidality in bipolar patients, as this feature, with its potential for tragic consequences, is unfortunately quite common. In summary then, let me offer my congratulations to Dr Fawcett on this publication. And, to any and all potential readers, please note that I give this book my unconditional and unequivocal recommendation.--Michael I. Casher, MD, clinical associate emeritus professor of psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, psychiatric consultant. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, psychiatric medical director, Blue Care Network Fawcett navigates the latitudes of bipolar disorder with ease and clarity, providing informative insights to the nature of the turbulence that individuals and their friends and families experience on a daily basis. Touching on all stages of life and rendering the treatment options available, he anchors us in a practical approach to the illness that is balanced and sound. It is also an excellent primer for trainees, and a must-read for medical health care providers and others who interact with people who have lived experience with bipolar.--Melvin McInnis, MD, FRCPsych, professor of psychiatry, University of Michigan
