Calming the Bipolar Storm: A Guide for Patients and Their Families

by Robert G. Fawcett

Calming the Bipolar Storm: A Guide for Patients and Their Families, winner of a Gold Award from the NonFiction Authors Association, is for people with bipolar disorder, and anyone who loves or cares for them. This work captures the rapidly advancing research and treatment strategies in the field of bipolar disorders. Discussing causes, presentation, onset, course, and treatments, the book encourages bipolar persons to set a healthy baseline, outlining five areas that promote good overall health in support of their particular circumstances: diet, exercise, sleep, avoiding substance misuse, and finding social support. In this context, Robert G. Fawcett discusses specific medications and their side effects, offering comparisons among them where possible. He describes other biological treatments such as herbs and supplements, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), bright light treatment, and sleep deprivation. A discussion of psychotherapies for bipolar includes not only some of the evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal and social rhythm, and family-focused therapies, but also supportive therapy, which is what patients most commonly encounter. Drawing from the author's experience treating patients with bipolar disorder for more than forty years Calming the Bipolar Storm presents an in-depth, engaging overview of bipolar disorder and its treatment, punctuated with case vignettes and interesting glimpses into the history behind today's concept of bipolar disorder and its treatments. Readers, both sufferers and their families, will come away with a better understanding of bipolar disorder and a clearer path to better treatment.

Genres: Psychology

216 pages, Hardcover

Published April 28, 2021

About the author

Robert Fawcett MD is a semi-retired psychiatrist who enjoys the literary and musical arts. Besides his book, "Limericks and Poems from County Emmet," he has published poetry in "Walloon Writer's Review" vol. 1. His book, "Calming the Bipolar Storm: a Guide for Patients and Their Families" was released on April 28, 2021 with Rowman & Littlefield publishers. One reviewer said:
(5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly well written book
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2021
Verified Purchase
Calming the Bipolar Storm is a must read not just for families and patients, but for every professional in the health care field. Even though I have been in clinical practice as a Psychologist for 39 years, I found it extremely informative. But what surprised me is that Dr. Fawcett engaged me in the reading in the first few pages which encouraged me to read further. I am amazed at how he made a very difficult and possibly dry topic so entertaining and engaging. This is an exceptional read and needs to be on the shelf of every professional. If I could give Dr.Fawcett 10 stars I would. So I will give him the maximum allowable, 5 stars. Kudos to you Dr. Fawcett for informing us so well. You did a tremendous job with a very very difficult topic by making it very readable for every layperson and usable for professionals as well.)He has treated bipolar patients (sometimes members from three successive generations) in inpatient and outpatient settings, published in psychiatric journals, and been named a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has read quite a few bipolar books, this one was refreshing. In part, because it goes into detail with different aspects of a well-rounded treatment with the thought that you have some idea about bipolar disorder. Yes, there is a basic component in the beginning but I really enjoyed the scientifically explained research when it came to the condition.

[Kathleen Garber · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Bipolar person I have read a lot about Bipolar. This is a good book for those who want to take an active role in understanding their illness and knowing what the different ways are to treat it. If you’d rather just be told what to take and do, this book isn’t for you. If however you are interested in learning about the different types of Bipolar and the different types of medications, this book is very thorough.

The beginning of the book seems like it’s for those who know nothing about Bipolar because it talks about the symptoms. However the rest of the book is more in-depth. If this is your first time reading about Bipolar, I would choose a different book. However if you know the basics and want to know more, this is a good choice. If you are already familiar with the different types, treatments and medications though, you may find you already know the subject matter.

I personally find it important to fully understand your illness and it’s possible treatments. So I recommend this book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Fawcett’s book is an informative and comprehensive view of bipolar disorder and how it affects those suffering from the disorder as well as those close to them. The information provided includes descriptions of the illness in addition to treatment options. Other information includes items such as talk therapy, medication and diet all presented in an easy to understand format. This is a good read for those affected by this illness. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

[JL Salty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: g: academic subject for the lay reader
Recommend: stated audience: patients and their families

Good summary of the disorder, including clinical examples. Details about current (2021) medication and therapy options. Possibly more than needed at certain phases, but a good resource when looking for information.

[Niyah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this book is packed with information, it was not interesting to read. I think this book is more for other professionals to read more so than patients and their families. Coming from someone who lives with bipolar disorder, I was looking for something like this but in a simpler form.

[Michele Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good overview of the different types of Bipolar Disorder, the methods of treatment for each type, and different medications that are commonly prescribed.

[Nava Hone · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wasn’t in the mood to read it