Though common, bipolar II disorder is a condition about which even experienced clinicians may know surprisingly little, and Bipolar II Disorder: Recognition, Understanding, and Treatment addresses this critical gap in the literature with an evidence-based approach. Since bipolar II frequently goes undiagnosed--and thus those who struggle with it remain untreated--the first section is devoted to the art and science of creating a differential diagnosis and identifying bipolar II disorder. The next section examines the biology of bipolar II, focused on the genetics and neural determinants of the disorder. The third section addresses treatment--from mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, and antidepressants to psychosocial interventions. The last section considers special populations, including children and adolescents, and women of reproductive age. In each chapter case vignettes help the reader to understand the clinical presentation of bipolar II, while key points highlight the most important material in an accessible way.

Though this book is designed primarily for clinicians who care for patients with bipolar II disorder and researchers who study it, laypeople, such as patients and their families, may find the information useful as well. Bipolar II Disorder: Recognition, Understanding, and Treatment is authoritative, instructive, and long overdue.

Holly A. Swartz, M.D., is Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Trisha Suppes, M.D., Ph.D., is Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine in Palo Alto, California and on staff at the Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California.