Introduction 1 Part 1: Getting Started on Your Bipolar Journey 5 Chapter 1: Grasping Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and Diagnosis 7 Chapter 2: Exploring Possible Causes: The Brain and Body Science of Bipolar Disorder 29 Chapter 3: Reining in Bipolar Disorder: Prognosis and Treatments 49 Part 2: Obtaining a Diagnosis, Developing a Treatment Plan, and Building a Team 61 Chapter 4: Getting an Accurate Diagnosis 63 Chapter 5: Building Your Treatment Plan 91 Chapter 6: Building a Winning Mood-Management Team 103 Part 3: Managing the Biology of Bipolar Disorder 119 Chapter 7: Leveling Moods with Medication 121 Chapter 8: Coming to Terms with Medications and Their Side Effects 149 Chapter 9: Expanding Your Biological Treatment Options 169 Chapter 10: Addressing Bipolar Disorder Across Diverse Communities 185 Part 4: Developing Essential Survival Skills 205 Chapter 11: Exploring Self Help and Professional Therapies 207 Chapter 12: Making Lifestyle Adjustments 227 Chapter 13: Communicating Effectively 245 Chapter 14: Solving Problems and Resolving Conflict 259 Chapter 15: Planning Ahead for a Mood Episode 271 Part 5: Dealing with the Fallout 283 Chapter 16: From Hospitalization to Recovery 285 Chapter 17: Returning to Work or Not 301 Chapter 18: Overcoming Financial Setbacks 315 Part 6: Assisting a Friend or Relative with Bipolar Disorder 329 Chapter 19: Supporting Your Loved One 331 Chapter 20: Dealing with Crisis Situations 345 Chapter 21: Supporting Your Bipolar Child or Teen 361 Part 7: The Part of Tens 389 Chapter 22: Ten Tips for Managing Bipolar 391 Chapter 23: Ten Ways to Help a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder 399 Index 405.