Main description:

Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a severe mental illness which has a substantial impact on the sufferer, carers, and mental health services. Its impact is similar to that of schizophrenia. However, in contrast to schizophrenia, it has, until recently, been almost entirely neglected by psychological researchers. It is only in the last few years that substantial psychological research programmes in the UK and USA have begun to explore the role of psychosocial factors in the
disorder. Yet an understanding of these influences will be essential for those trying to understand how we can treat those suffering from BPD.

This volume is the first to bring together reviews of the exciting developments taking place in this field, with chapters from the leading researchers. It presents a broad overview of the psychological and psychosocial factors involved in bipolar disorder, including chapters, amongst others, on risk factors, early warning signs, and treatment.

Contents:

1. Introductory overview ; 2. Psychosocial risk factors for bipolar disorder: current and early environment and cognitive styles ; 3. Life events as predictors of relapse, depression and mania in bipolar disorder ; 4. Dysfunctional beliefs in individuals with bipolar disorders ; 5. Circadian rhythms and the internal attribution of physiological fluctuation in bipolar disorder ; 6. Psychological processes and the pathways to mania: exploring the manic defence hypothesis ; 7. Neuropsychological and biological approaches to understanding bipolar disorder ; 8. Bipolar relapse - the importance of early warning signs and coping strategies ; 9. Biopsychosocial approaches and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy for bipolar disorder ; 10. Family approaches to the course and treatment of bipolar disorder