Bipolar Disorder Daily News Blog

New Book on Bipolar Disorder

Judy Eron, a Texas native and trained clinical social worker has recently written a book called, "What Goes Up: Surviving the Manic Episode of a Loved One." According to Eron, the book is based on her experiences with her husband, a man who at one time was a "kind and sincere psychologist," but after abruptly stopping his medication developed an inflated ego. Eron's husband who suffered from bipolar disorder had managed his disorder for nine years with the help of medication. When he stopped his medication, he experienced mania followed by depression. Eron says that there isn't enough of a focus on the mania of bipolar disorder. Instead, she says that the depression aspect of the disorder receives the most attention.

Though Eron's husband's life ended tragically by suicide, she says there's hope for other sufferers and their loved ones. She states that, "there are ways people can try to help loved ones steer around some of the impulsive behavior that often characterizes manic behavior, such as spending recklessly and engaging in risky relationships."

Eron recommends:
(1) that sufferers of bipolar disorder should consult the aid of a counselor in addition to a psychiatrist;
(2) that "medication should never be stopped the way her husband did — all at once and without a physician’s care;"
and lastly,
(3) that people who reside with sufferers of bipolar disorder should "understand that a day may come when the (disorder) makes that person unrecognizable. Making an agreement in advance about what will happen (such as whether a couple will separate) if that day comes makes things easier for everyone should it occur."

Unfortunately, Eron and her husband had no such agreement. Thus, when he stopped his medication, she wasn't sure what to do.

To learn more about Judy Eron: http://www.judyeron.com/

Title: Author to speak on bipolar disorder
Author: Bill Kettler
Date: August 9. 2005.
Source: http://www.mailtribune.com