The psychiatrist whose pioneering bestseller Moodswing introduced lithium as the treatment for bipolarity now focuses on the milder form of the disease, and the result is another landmark work--one that can help millions with Bipolar II to live better lives

Thirty years ago, Dr. Ronald Fieve pioneered the use of lithium for what was then known as ""manic depression."" His book Moodswing was a runaway hit, published in seven countries. Since then, Dr. Fieve has focused on patients with mild bipolarity--what is now known as Bipolar II. He has discovered that Bipolar II patients are--almost across the board--driven, successful, high-achieving individuals who, with the right treatment, can actually turn their illness into an asset.

In this first book to concentrate exclusively on milder bipolarity, Dr. Fieve explains how newer drugs with fewer side effects are revolutionizing the treatment of Bipolar II. Some people with mild bipolarity may not require drugs at all--just a specific lifestyle program, which Dr. Fieve spells out in this book. In the past, many patients with the illness have resisted treatment because they did not want to give up the euphoria of the ""highs."" But left untreated, the condition's lows can be devastating--sometimes resulting in suicide. Here, Dr. Fieve reveals his remarkably successful treatment program (with results supported by thousands of patient histories) that allows patients to keep the highs while minimizing the lows. And he explains how his program can help turn the illness into a positive and patients into what he calls ""bipolar beneficials.""

""God bless Dr. Fieve; he's done it again! Bipolar II gives us just the tool we need in order to address our disorder. For patients like me, family members, even doctors and mental health workers, this is an answer to a prayer.""  --Patty Duke, author of Brilliant Madness: Living with Manic Depressive Illness


""In his brilliant new book, Fieve--a founding father in the study of bipolar II, and one of the first to discover its advantages--addresses the practical problem that bedevils all bipolars: How do you channel the hypomania's creative fire without getting burned? If you suspect that you or someone you love is bipolar II, buy this book--now!"" ---John D. Gartner, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University Medical School, and author of The Hypomanic Edge


""I am very pleased that Dr. Ronald Fieve has published this book. Dr. Fieve is a pioneer in the recognition and treatment of bipolar disorder, and his previous work, Moodswing, has been an excellent book for patients with this condition to learn about bipolar disorder and its treatments. Bipolar II disorder is an important and common form of the bipolar spectrum. Dr. Fieve's contributions to our understanding and treatment of this disorder are outstanding, and I believe this book will be a must read for patients who have bipolar conditions.""   -- David L. Dunner, MD, director, Center for Anxiety and Depression, and professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington