Mr. Crawford has skillfully interwoven
his 19 years of personal experience with Bipolar Disorder with
information explaining the illness...in particular the kindling
model as presented by Dr. R. M. Post.
Kindling is explained…how it happens, and how it
erupts, both technically and chronologically in Mr. Crawford’s
life. This theory
is shown clearly in his example of failure at adolescent love
projected to the same failure as an adult.
Mr. Crawford’s personal story, while similar to those
of others with this illness, is also unique.
Also included is an excellent chapter
“How to Breakeven with Bipolar Disorder” which presents
timely and sage advice for anyone with this disorder.
This book is eminently readable…an
excellent story and source of information that I would recommend
for anyone with Bipolar Disorder and for their families and
friends who hope to gain an understanding of what this illness
is, how it feels,
and how it can be treated,
1. The Brain
vs. the Mind
History
The Biopsychiatric Revolution
The Amygdala
The Peerless Dr. Post
The
Episodic Disorder
2. Genetics
History
Modern Genetics
3.
Clinical Psychiatry
History
Diagnosis
Treatment
Drugs
Counseling
Issues in Psychiatry
Trial
and Error Diagnosis
Not
Listening to Patient Complaints
Lack
of Experience on Both Sides of the Couch
The
Endless Knot
4.
Clinical Psychology
The Training and Function of Psychologists
Three Major Psychologies
Behaviorism
Cognitive
Therapy
Client
Centered Therapy
The Complexities of Counseling
5. A Case
History That Supports the Post Model of Affective Illness
Step One: Genes and Childhood Environment
Step Two: Major Childhood Anxiety Imprints
Step Three: Kindling
Step Four: Intermediate Reinforcements
Step Five: The Illness Becomes Automatic
Step Six: Containment is Achieved With Drugs
Step Seven: The Continued Evolution of the Illness
Psychopharmacology 1981-2000
A Summary of Social Functioning
6. How to
Breakeven with Affective Illness
In a Nutshell
Recognizing
the Illness
The Invisible Part
The Visible Part
The
Essential Behaviors Following Recognition
Attitudes That Improve Visibility and Recognition
Strategies for Maintaining Relationships
Social Security Disability Income
The
Behavioral Goal
Review
from Barnes and Noble
Bobbie
Brasher (boenum@aol.com), March 30, 2001, 
Essential reading for all Bipolars and Mental Health
Professionals
The author has emerged on the other side after 14 years of
struggling with Bipolar disorder and has turned his knowledge
into a 'gift' for all those who suffer with mental illness and
for those who treat them. His own case history of Kindling is
told, then followed by very practical suggestions for survival
in the chapter called 'How to Break Even with Bipolar Illness'.
Extensive research has been done to provide us with a readable
history of mental illness, and with a short description of the
roles of Clinical Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology. Also
included is a bibliograpy which would make a doctoral candidate
wide-eyed. The book is a 'gift' because the writer has not only
seen the underview, but has taken control, studied the disease,
and with great intelligence and skill has shared it with us. If
you have, or think you may have a mental disorder, or if you
work in the field of Mental Health, I urge you to read this
book!
