By exploring different ways of managing these disorders, this book provides information and analysis for people who are in any way concerned with manic depressives. The possibilities for treatment discussed here include information about previously under-explored methods as well as new thinking on well-known treatments. The reasons for the onset of manic depression are considered in order to further understanding and assist treatment by increasing knowledge of how manic depressives actually feel. Particular difficulties in treatment are addressed, such as the unresponsiveness of the depressive and the problem of the manic high from which the patient may not want to recover. Such difficulties are explained and the contributors explore what can be done to provide long-term solutions, including the possibility of self-management.

The contributors include psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists and social workers. By including the approaches of these different professions, a balanced and comprehensive picture of the disorders and their effective management is built up.