RECOMMENDED BOOKS &

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

 

Katherine Lerer                                                                   Resource Central

 

BIPOLAR

 

ÒBiPolar Survival Guide, What You and Your Family Need to KnowÓ by David J. Miklowitz, PhD

Highly acclaimed. This excellent, practical book is one of the very best.  You and your family will learn about acceptance, self-management, and recovery.  Recommended by Dr. Jenifer Culver, Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University

 

ÒSurviving Manic Depression, A Manual on Bipolar Disorder for Patients, Families and ProvidersÓ by E. Fuller Torrey, M.D. and Michael B. Knable, D.O.

An excellent book summarizing bipolar disorder and the scientific and practical issues surrounding it.  Extensive book reviews and resources are included.

 

ÒAn Unquiet MindÓ by Kay Redfield Jamison

This is the classic autobiography of bipolar disorder written by a professor of psychiatry who is herself bipolar.  With breathtaking honesty Jamison tells of her own manic depression, the bitter costs of her illness, and its paradoxical benefits.  This is one of the best scientific autobiographies ever written, a combination of clarity, truth, and insight into human character. And extraordinary read.

 

ÒDarkness Visible: A Memoir of MadnessÓ by William Styron

A chilling account of his descent into, and recovery from, an almost suicidal depression by a Pulitzer prizewinning author.  A national bestseller. It is out of print but you may order it. You may have to special order this.

 

DEPRESSION

 

ÒNoonday Demon: An atlas of DepressionÓ by Andrew Solomon

A prizewinning book and rightly so. The fascinating, learned, and accessible way he presents depression is truly us.  Huge recommendation for consumer or family member.

 

ÒOvercoming DepressionÓ by Demitri F. Papolos, Janice Papolos

Good coverage of treatments and practical aspects of care for both unipolar and bipolar depression.  It also includes a frank discussion of psychiatric therapy in the era of managed care.

 

ÒDonÕt PanicÓ Taking Control of Anxiety Attacks by R. Reid Wilson, PhD.

This is a remarkably effective self help program for overcoming panic and coping with anxious fears. Recommended by Dr. Jenifer Culver, Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University

 

 

FAMILY

 

ÒWhen Someone You Love Has a MENTAL ILLNESS, A Handbook for Family, Friends and CaregiversÓ by Rebecca Woolis, MFT

This book offers exciting and vital current information abaout recovery from mental illness and substance abuse while addressing short-term, daily problems of living. Long-term planning and care are also well presented. Recommended by NAMI.

 

ÒI Am Not Sick I DonÕt Need Help!, A Practical Guide for Families and TherapistsÓ by Xavier Amador with Anna-Lisa Johanson

The book offers a sensitive presentation of a  practical, clinically sound, approach to getting a serverly ill person to accept needed treatment. National Alliance on Mental Illness highly recommends it.

 

 

EVERYONE

 

 ÒThe Feeling Good HandbookÓ by David D. Burns, M.D.

This well regarded book talks about new techniques and exercises for coping and information on medications for bipolar, depression and anxiety disorders. Recommended by Dr. Jenifer Culver, Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University

 

ÒMy Many Colored DaysÓ by Dr. Suess

Written for children in a colorful and charming way he describes our moods and feelings to people of all ages. There are stunning, expressive paintings reflecting our emotional barometers. I recommend this inspirational book to all of you.

 

 

ADDITIONAL BOOK LISTS

 

DBSA http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_books

 

Lucid Interval Book List http://www.lucidinterval.org/booklist/book_reviews.shtml

 

NAMI Santa Clara County Book List and Book Reviews

http://www.namisantaclara.org/books.htm

http://www.namisantaclara.org/bookreviews.htm