Bipolar Depression Bipolar depressions are often intractable and potentially deadly. We find from Kraepelin's lectures that thyroid hormones have been in continuous use in psychiatry for at least 120 years, the oldest continuous treatment in psychiatry with the exception of psychotherapy. The use of high doses of thyroid hormone is recommended for bipolar depression in at least two major treatment guidelines: the Texas Medication Algorithm Project for bipolar I depression and the Canadian/ISBD guidelines for bipolar II (2013). There are numerous studies showing its effectiveness including a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Neuroimaging studies show that high doses of thyroid decrease overactive areas in the brain that are associated with depression. In other words, it helps restore normal neurophysiologic functioning, possibly, by correcting low cellular thyroid levels, caused by dysfunctioning mitochondria and low ATP levels. High dose thyroid is well tolerated and is as safe as or safer than most other treatments used for bipolar disorders. High dose thyroid is far safer and far more effective than antidepressants. In fact, theories predict that high dose thyroid may decrease the medical sequela associated with the bipolar disorders allowing our patients to live healthier and longer. Despite all these factors high dose thyroid is rarely used or even talked about for bipolar depression. Here is a book that packages both the "how to" of the practical day-to-day use of high dose thyroid and the evidence base of its efficacy and safety for treating bipolar. The book debunks the myths surrounding high dose thyroid offering definitive proof that it differs from hyperthyroidism. Given the high rate of morbidity and mortality of bipolar depressions. Given the uncalculable suffering by patients and their families. Given the safety and tolerability of high dose thyroid. Given the tremendous cost to society. Given the dearth of effective treatments the question is no longer why use thyroid hormones for treatment. The question asks itself: Why are we not using thyroid hormones to treat bipolar disorder?

This unique book is needed because it aims to improve the care of Bipolar clients while strengthening the clinical practices of non-MD psychotherapists. What is different is the proposal that psychotherapists manage the overall care of Bipolar clients. The increased number of publications about Bipolar over the past decades has enhanced the recognition of Bipolar. As many as 16 million individuals in the US may have a Bipolar episode at some point. Psychiatrists have traditionally managed Bipolar clients but there are not enough psychiatrists and they generally spend only 10 to 15 minutes every one to six months with their clients—often not enough time to recognize oncoming Bipolar episodes. Therapeutic strategy has changed from treating acute episodes to postponing next episodes. Psychotherapists see their clients for 50 minutes every week and are in a better position to recognize developing episodes. Psychotherapists do not prescribe and medicines are usually needed along with psychotherapy for best results. This book encourages psychotherapists to vet and collaborate with prescribers in caring for the therapists’ Bipolar clients. Lacking in the psychotherapists’ armamentarium for treating Bipolar clients is education regarding diagnostic signs, symptoms, and treatment including the most productive medications. This book provides therapists and clients the needed information and encourages academic departments and other psychotherapy programs to institute training about Bipolar Disorders.

Epidemiology of Thyroid Disorders provides comprehensive, clinical knowledge to professionals dealing with thyroid disorders. The book focuses on the pathophysiology of thyroid disorders, the prevalence and incidence of various diseases, and their prevention. This focused analysis on thyroid disorders raises awareness of this global problem that, once diagnosed or misdiagnosed, can sometimes lead to over-treatment and cardiovascular complications, especially in the elderly. This succinct, targeted reference gives the reader excellent information on the epidemiology of global thyroid disorders, as well as up-to-date treatment data and a special focus on prevention. - Serves as a starting point for medical professionals, addressing the patterns, risk factors, prevention, and treatment of thyroid disorders around the world - Discusses the prevalence of thyroid disorders around the world, covering disability and cost burden - Covers recent trends, technologies and advancements in the management of thyroid diseases

Approaching depression as a complex disorder with many different facets rather than all-or-nothing. Now available in paperback with an updated preface. Depression confuses the mind, strips away hope, and causes people to blame themselves for an illness they never asked for. This book presents a revolutionary new understanding of the concept of depression and offers readers skills and strategies to manage it. No longer is this a one-size-fits-all diagnosis, and antidepressants are no longer the one-size-fits-all treatment. Mood disorders are now seen to form a spectrum of problems, from common depression on one end to full bipolar disorder on the other. In between these extremes are multitudes of people who are on the middle of the mood spectrum, and this book is for them. The first part of the book helps readers answer the question, “Where am I on the mood spectrum?” By laying the foundation for understanding this spectrum, Aiken and Phelps highlight the key distinctions that define unipolarity, bipolarity, hypomania, mania, and depression. Readers will be able to discern which definition best fits their experience, and use this understanding to learn which treatment methods will work best. The authors also empower readers to look beyond antidepressants. They walk readers through new medications for the mood spectrum, and offer a guide to non-medication treatments that anyone can use on their own, from diet and lifestyle changes to natural supplements. The book also discusses other innovative technologies that can aid in recovery, including dawn simulators, mood apps, and blue-light filters. This thoughtful and beneficial book will offer readers skills and strategies, as well as hope, in the face of debilitating mental challenges.

Clinical Psychopharmacology offers a comprehensive guide to clinical practice that explores two major aspects of the field: the clinical research that exists to guide clinical practice of psychopharmacology, and the application of that knowledge with attention to the individualized aspects of clinical practice. The text consists of 50 chapters, organized into 6 sections, focusing on disease-modifying effects, non-DSM diagnostic concepts, and essential facts about the most common drugs. This innovative book advocates a scientific and humanistic approach to practice and examines not only the benefits, but also the harms of drugs. Providing a solid foundation of knowledge and a great deal of practical information, this book is a valuable resource for practicing psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, medical students and trainees in psychiatry, as well as pharmacists.

An easy to read little book on Bipolar Disorder, Written in plain English for people with Bipolar Disorder, family members, and therapists. Feedback is that it is a very illuminating book and people have said (Bipolars and therapists) "I finally understand Bipolar Disorder."

Updated with bonus material, including a new foreword and afterword with new research, this New York Times bestseller is essential reading for a time when mental health is constantly in the news. In this astonishing and startling book, award-winning science and history writer Robert Whitaker investigates a medical mystery: Why has the number of disabled mentally ill in the United States tripled over the past two decades? Interwoven with Whitaker’s groundbreaking analysis of the merits of psychiatric medications are the personal stories of children and adults swept up in this epidemic. As Anatomy of an Epidemic reveals, other societies have begun to alter their use of psychiatric medications and are now reporting much improved outcomes . . . so why can’t such change happen here in the United States? Why have the results from these long-term studies—all of which point to the same startling conclusion—been kept from the public? Our nation has been hit by an epidemic of disabling mental illness, and yet, as Anatomy of an Epidemic reveals, the medical blueprints for curbing that epidemic have already been drawn up. Praise for Anatomy of an Epidemic “The timing of Robert Whitaker’s Anatomy of an Epidemic, a comprehensive and highly readable history of psychiatry in the United States, couldn’t be better.”—Salon “Anatomy of an Epidemic offers some answers, charting controversial ground with mystery-novel pacing.”—TIME “Lucid, pointed and important, Anatomy of an Epidemic should be required reading for anyone considering extended use of psychiatric medicine. Whitaker is at the height of his powers.” —Greg Critser, author of Generation Rx

Part of the Drugs in series, the updated second edition of this practical pocketbook summarizes essential information on all the major drugs currently used in clinical psychiatric practice. Beginning with a brief discussion on drugs in psychiatry, the text moves on to consider the principles of psychopharmacology, which form the foundation of the sound, scientifically based use of drugs in psychiatry. Details are then given, in turn, of the main non-depot antipsychotic drugs, antipsychotic depot injections, antimanic drugs, tricyclic and related antidepressant drugs, monoamine-oxidase inhibitors, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, and other antidepressants. This practical pocketbook is an essential companion for all medical staff involved in psychopharmacology, both for learning and quick reference.

Some children inherit "the family nose." Autumn Stringam and her brother Joseph inherited the family bipolar disorder, a severe mental illness that led to their mother's and grandfather's suicides. Autumn, at 22, was psychotic and in a psychiatric hospital on suicide watch; Joseph, at 15, was prone to violent episodes so terrifying the family feared for their lives. But after they began taking a nutritional supplement developed by their father and based, incredibly, on a formula given to aggressive hogs--Autumn's and Joseph's symptoms disappeared. Today they both lead normal, productive lives. A Promise of Hope is the personal story of Autumn Stringam's flight from madness to wellness, all due to the vitamin and mineral supplement that works on the premise that some forms of mental illness are caused by nutritional deficiencies. An honest book that exposes the hidden torment of bipolar disorder, it is the story of a daughter seeking to forgive her mother. A Promise of Hope is also an astonishing scientific account that moves from a kitchen table in Alberta to the treatment offices of a distinguished Harvard pshyciatrist and into the labs of a skeptical medial establishment. It climaxes in a bitter--but eventually triumphant--battle with Health Canada, in which the tiny supplement company is exonerated and praised for saving the lives of thousands of Canadians previously thought lost to mental illness. More than anything, A Promise of Hope is a powerful story and a call for a new understanding of the causes of mental illness and its treatments. 20% of Canadians will experience mental illness in their lifetimes Over 300,000 Canadians are affected by bipolar disorder (or manic depression) 15% of people with biploar disorder commit suicide EMPower Plus, the supplement that worked for Autumn, is being used and studied around the world, reflecting the growing awareness of the role of micronutrients in normal brain function

A practical guide translating clinical trials findings, across major psychiatric disorders, to devise tailored, evidence-based treatments.