More Information on Bipolar Disorder

Many people across the world may recognize these famous names: Virginia Woolf, Axl Rose, Sting, Ben Stiller, and Vivien Leigh. However, most people could not place the common link among these famous celebrities, past and present. The common link these celebrities share, in fact, is that they have all dealt with, or are continuing to deal with, bipolar disorder. There is a wealth of information available for people interested in learning about bipolar disorder. For many patients, knowing that other people out there—including “the rich and famous”—suffering from the same disorder can be a helpful realization.

For people interested in learning more information about the disorder, there are more than a few good books available on the subject. Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families, by Francis Mark Mondimore, M.D., is a good place to start. For family members and spouses living with a loved one with bipolar disorder, there is Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder, by Julie A. Fast and John D. Preston. For patients with the disorder themselves, there is an interesting book entitled An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Mood and Madness, by Kay Redfield Jamison. There are also video cassettes and DVDs available on the subject, such as the cassette Bipolar Disorder/Manic Depression. Watching videos can be an interactive way of learning more about the disorder.

Another good way to find out more information on the subject is to do some research. Pick up a paper like the Psychiatric Times or call your local healthcare provider. Your doctor is often a good point of origin when it comes to specialized disorders; he or she can direct you to a specialist with the right knowledge about bipolar disorder. There are several support groups available for patients who suffer from bipolar disorder. Patients who are also experiencing a drug or alcohol dependence should seek out support groups especially for them, as often sharing experiences with other people experiencing the same disorder can be the most helpful. Bipolar disorder is certainly a complex condition but with more research can be better understood by patients and their loved ones.