Review of: Bipolar Disorder: A Family-Focused Treatment Approach

Reviews the book, Bipolar Disorder: A Family-Focused Treatment Approach by David J. Miklowitz and Michael J. Goldstein (see record 1998-07079-000). Treatment for bipolar illness must include social and interpersonal relationship issues as well as an educational component in order to truly be effective. This book is an excellent resource for any mental health professional who wishes to successfully combine these factors in their work. The authors have developed a three pronged approach to structuring the nine months of treatment. First, the authors begin with a psychoeducational phase which lasts 12 weeks. The second phase is called the communication enhancement phase and it assists individuals and family members to establish or reestablish effective communication patterns with one another. The third and final phase on problem solving teaches conflict resolution skills to families and sets up role plays during sessions to enhance the use of these newly learned skills. Readers will find that this practical book is designed to teach practitioners to easily implement this program into their work. The format of the book would make it very easy for a trainer to read and immediately put the book into practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)