This book should be read by anyone trying to optimize treatment of bipolar disorder through the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy. In fact it should be read both by patients and by therapists and possibly psychiatrists too. The book is well written, well organized, and fairly easy to understand. It is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to surviving bipolar disorder- if the reader wants a comprehensive guide, see Torrey's "Surviving Manic Depression" and Miklowitz's "Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide". But for just learning about cognitive-behavioral therapy, this book is excellent. Avery Z. Conner, author of "Fevers of the Mind".

This book states its' purpose, limitations, and offers a lot of helpful information on how to prevent hypomania and mild depression from escalating to full major depression and manic episodes. I believe that the book has a lot to offer in communication skills for everyone. It is helpful not only for therapist but for those afflicted with manic-depressive illness and their family members.