Less than Crazy

January 22, 2009
Verdict: A witty, warm, and deeply personal examination of bipolar II, this book combines personal anecdote and scientific analysis in a rich investigation of life with the disorder. Recommended for large public libraries or specialized psychology/self-help collections. Background: Prolific health writer Dougherty (Mind Storms: Living with Traumatic Brain Injury) presents an affecting and informative account of bipolar II, a lesser-known form of the disorder characterized by anxiety, irritability, relatively mild highs in the manic state, and mild delusions and paranoia (as well as depression) in the depressive state. The author discusses the typical symptoms, biochemical and hereditary etiology, treatment sequence, pediatric mood disorders, and bipolar's real and rumored links with creativity. Dougherty's candor validates why self-help books written by one who has actually "been there" tend to have much resonance.-Eric Petersen, Dana Coll. Lib., Blair, NE

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