Norden, Michael J. (1996) BEYOND PROZAC, (New York: Harper Collins)
Appleton, William S. (2000) PROZAC AND THE NEW ANTI-DEPRESSANT (New York: Penguin Book)
Castle, Lana (2003) BIPOLAR DISORDER DEMYSTIFIED (New York: Marlowe & Company)

The books listed above describe the characteristics of manic-depression and the medications that help moderate it.

Bi-polar is a big word like middle class. There are many types. They include:

1. CLASSIC BIPOLAR- the individual goes through euphoric highs and is overly aggressive to suicidal lows.
2. BIPOLAR TYPE 2- the patient has few manageable highs and many low days.
3. UNIPOLAR- has continual lows and no highs.
4. DYSTHYMIC- individual has a consistent low grade depression that is manageable and not necessarily psychotic.
5. MANIC- individual rarely has a low day.

MEDICATONS

There are numerous meds. As soon as this is written, the information is dated because so many more meds are introduced all the time.

LITHIUM is made to cut the highs and for some provide a floor for the lows.
IMIRAMINE & related were the first to be introduced and is now the cheapest on the market.
MAO INHIBITORS & related are the second to be introduced. Go to the PDR on Goggle to get information on the efficacy of this antidepressant.
PROZAC & related are now most popular and the most expensive. Again, go to the PDR to get the latest information on these drugs.

There are numerous tranquilizers that also help. The most popular are Valium, Zoloft, and Xanax. See PDR.