Treating Bipolar Disorder

Ellen Frank's manual is an important contribution to the treatment of bipolar disorder. It clearly articulates the nature of the illness, how best to conceptualize the role of psychotherapy in a condition whose origins and treatments are primarily biological, how to assess the goals of therapy for an individual patient, and the specifics of utilizing IPSRT. This book is a welcome addition to the field. --Kay Redfield Jamison, PhD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine In easy-to-read prose, Ellen Frank explains interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, a new psychosocial intervention for bipolar disorder. Based on her groundbreaking work on the role of sleep-wake cycle disturbances in the onset of mania, Dr. Frank explains how stabilizing people's daily routines can enhance mood stability and interpersonal functioning. She provides step-by-step methods for addressing interpersonal problems associated with the illness, such that clinicians will be well on their way to using the treatment even with their most severely ill patients. The case studies are highly illustrative of the complexities of treating this debilitating illness. There is much wisdom in this book for clinicians and researchers. --David J. Miklowitz, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Boulder Using a creative combination of techniques, Dr. Frank provides a structure that will allow clinicians to intervene more helpfully with patients with bipolar disorder. A well-written and scientific description of the illness forms the basis for the provision of clear strategies for coping with it more effectively. Rich case examples demonstrate an empathic understanding of the illness and its devastating impact on patients and families. Clinicians working with this population should find this readable, pragmatic book an essential addition to their professional libraries. --Carol M. Anderson, MSW, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine