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Book Reviews
Surviving Manic Depression: A Manual on Bipolar Disorder for Patients, Families and Providers, Torrey, E. Fuller, M.D., and Knable, Michael B., M.D. New York: Basic Books, 2002. Hardback, 395 pages.
A comprehensive, clearly written book examining many aspects of manic-depression (a term the authors prefer over the DSM III designation, “bipolar disorder”). In defining the illness, the authors review the various states of the disorder and explore the differences and similarities among manic-depression, depression, and schizophrenia. A chapter is devoted to the important distinction between manic-depressive illnesses and conditions that might be confused with it, such as mania caused by drugs, head injuries, and other illnesses. There is a thorough discussion on medications, including drug interactions, treatment strategies for different phases of the illness, and frequently asked questions. “Ten Special Problems” examines social and compliance issues associated with the disease, including suicide, homelessness, and the difficult problem of “the seduction of mania”-patients’ enjoyment of manic states, which often causes them to resist treatment.
Although the book provides much useful information on manic-depressive illness and dispels some myths, it also perpetuates a few myths. The authors cite reports claiming that most successful Wall Street stock traders have a form of manic-depressive illness called the “CEO disease.” They mention high-publicity, violent criminal cases in the 1990s that involved individuals with manic-depression. However, if one were to compare those with the total prevalence of violent crimes committed throughout the United States, any difference in percentage is probably minuscule. The authors also claim that psychotherapy is not necessary for many patients with the illness, and that the treating physician can be an internist or family practitioner.
Keeping in mind the aforementioned short-comings, Surviving Manic Depression is a well-written guide to help the reader understand a difficult illness.
By Marion Ehrlich
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