[.ca] Surviving Manic Depression (ISBN 0465086632)

From Amazon.com:
If knowing one's enemy is key to surviving a prolonged encounter, then Surviving Manic Depression should prove essential reading to those who suffer from this brain disease's horrific highs and lows. Having immersed themselves in the topic, E. Fuller Torrey, M.D., and Michael B. Knable, D.O., offer a comprehensive resource for those afflicted with--or responsible for treating--manic depression. Unfortunately, a surprisingly small amount of data exists regarding its prevalence, and existing studies show conflicting results. Torrey and Knable's emphasis on dissecting all that is known about the disease clearly indicates that "survival" entails neither escape nor eradication; rather, it requires a lifelong pledge to undertake an effective course of treatment. The first step: learning every suspected cause, symptom, risk factor, and treatment strategy. Sprinkled among statistic-laden paragraphs, touches of empathy arrive via articulate quotations from sufferers including Patty Duke and Kay Jamison. But the crux of Torrey and Knable's work is its compilation of all the informative bits and pieces readers need to build an effective action plan. Most helpful are the chapters that address special problems (including alcohol and drug abuse, violent behavior, medication noncompliance, and the seduction of mania); and their no-holds-barred reviews of books, selected Web sites, and videotapes. --Liane Thomas

Some good information, but doesn't measure up to title:
This is a typical Torrey performance--arrogant, somewhat informative, and certain to inveigle many undiscriminating readers. I realize that the book couldn't be 500 pages, but 350 would have been nice. Almost every section was too short to do justice to the topic--e.g. brain structure and function; manicdepression from the "inside"; almost nothing on how to survive manicdepression. This is what really makes this book a failure: it doesn't show how someone with manic-depression can survive this dreadful disease. The reason is obvious: it is very difficult to "survive" manic-depression, if you really have it (most diagnoses in the last ten years misread badly manicdepression). I am sure there are some psyhciatrists who realize that bipolar disease needs to be narrowly defined and treated. Torrey is heavily influenced by Kay Jamison who campaigns tirelessly for manicdepression as a diagnosis of choice. Many doctors have been intimidated and have switched from depression (perhaps with ADD) to a diagnosis of manic-depression. Torrey doesn't discuss the possibility that we are in a world, awash with over-diagnosis of this disorder. And, as stated above, this book doesn't live up to its name, whether or not you believe in wide scope of diagnosis of bipolar or, like me, you believe that bipolar has become the flavor of the month. By the way I am considered manic-depressant I (severe depression, never fully escaped and several sever manic attacks), not to mention constant hypomania (ADD ruled out by two nationally regarded doctors). I take Lithium, Lamictal, Seroquel and small amount of Klonopin daily. Also diagosed with chronic anxiety and narcissistic disorder. Several second opinion to ensure proper diagnosis. SO not biased against manic-depression. Only feel that Torrey does poor job explaining disorder and is miles away from writing a book living up to its title. Recommend Patty Duke's book, not Jamison's conceited memoir, nor Styron's essay in self-indulgence

Wonderful introductory read for family of bipolar individual:
I bought this book to educate myself on Bipolar Disorder, having a brother who has been recently diagnosed. Because the nature of this illness is not 'cut and dry' and because what may work for one person doesn't work for another I feel it is very difficult to write a book that is all-encompassing when it comes to this disorder. I have read many books on BD in the past month and this one was my favorite from a family member's point of view. There were many parts of this book that pertained to our family's personal situation. The one thing I particularly found helpful was that the authors don't tend to 'sugar-coat' this illness as I have found in reading other books.

This is the best BP book I've ever read.:
Since being diagnosed with BP I have looked for books to help me understand more about the disease. This is the best I have found. Unlike most other works, it treats BP as a disorder different from depression and the authors respect their readers, giving details and theories that many other books leave out. It may be work to read, but it is very rewarding. Every bipolar person and family members of bipolar people should read this comprehensive book.

The Best Book of Its Type:
I have read several intelligently written books on the subject of manic depression. I have suffered from the disorder for twenty-six years and have not been able to find a better book on the subject. Chances are the new paperback edition, which should be updated to include new medications, will be even better than this book. I have read several books by E. Fuller Torrey, who is, to my knowledge, America's most reliable and caring psychiatrist for the severely mentally ill.

Look No Further: This is THE book on Manic-Depression:
I've learned more in the first 100 pages of this book than I have learned in all the other books I have read on Manic-Depressive Illness combined. And I have read most of them. Torrey & Knable have a knack of making the latest research on Manic-Depressive Illness clear and understandable by a general audience, but never too simplistic. Yes, there is information in this book that you have never read before, whether you are a provider, significant other, or sufferer. This is not a re-packaging of what is already known about Manic-Depressive Illness, but a synthesis of far-flung research into a easily readable account. There will come a time when this book is outdated, but for now skip the Goodwin and Jamison 982 page tome published in 1990 and costing $ and head straight for this book. What can I say to the authors, but thank you not just for this long overdue and timely work on Manic-Depressive Illness, but for the service you have performed for the manic-depressive community? I have and will recommend this book to my significant others, providers, and fellow sufferers who are learning to deal with this illness. Thank you once again, E. Fuller Torrey & Michael B. Knable for such a straight-on handling of the illness and a wonderful service you have done for all of us. You have made my job of living with this illness and keeping my head up easier. Thank you. For those who are interested in reading personal histories I highly recommend "A Brilliant Madness" by Patty Duke, "An Unquiet Mind" by Kay Redfield Jamison, and for teenagers "His Bright Light" by Danielle Steel.