A Spectrum Approach to Mood Disorders

[A] tremendous resource to help differentiate between cases of mood disorder or bipolar disorder. Dr. Phelps is a respected and highly-experienced physician. He presents a thorough and convincing explanation of the nuances of accepting that a broad spectrum of mood disorders does exist. Professionals who acknowledge this will be able to use Dr. Phelps' book to provide patients with the focused, in-depth treatment they require.-- (09/20/2016) Engaging, wise, and superbly practical, this book addresses the complexity of the subject matter while providing an accessible guide for a range of health professionals to improve the treatment of mood disorders. The author integrates research and decades of clinical experience with a refreshing candor, inspiring you to think. The value of this book lies not only in the empowerment of the treating provider, but also in emphasizing the empowerment of the individual seeking treatment.-- (09/20/2016) James Phelps provides a guide for the perplexed. He analyzes the most complex, most common, and least understood aspect of clinical practice--the spectrum halfway between depression and mania. Many people suffer in that purgatory of diagnosis, neither truly bipolar nor unipolar, but they and their clinicians don't realize it. They should read this book. One can hope that future readers can look back on it as a key step towards ending an old and long period of clinical confusion.-- (09/20/2016) James Phelps' seminal work establishes a clear description of bipolarity and mood, moving us beyond the limitations of a binary construct. This excellent lens provides for greater diagnostic accuracy by including those with undiagnosed and/or mis-diagnosed mood traits. Dr. Phelps has created an essential tool-kit with a range of non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions to improve the quality of life and outcomes for those with bipolar symptoms.-- (09/20/2016) Dr. James Phelps bravely enters territory that academia has largely neglected--the nebulous region between full bipolar disorder and major depression. . . . [A] must-read for any health professional involved in the treatment of affective illnesses, including psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychologists, and therapists.

James Phelps, MD, is the director of the Mood Disorders program at Samaritan Mental Health in Corvallis, Oregon, which serves a five-hospital system. He is recognized as a national expert on the topic of bipolar disorder, and has published more than 15 books and journal articles pertaining to mental health.