In this book, a psychiatrist and a psychologist, both specializing in mood disorders, offer a comprehensive overview of the available treatment options and most effective parenting strategies for dealing with this serious condition.
Once considered an adult illness, bipolar disorder is one of the fastest growing categories in child psychiatry, touching the lives of an estimated one million children. But often it goes misdiagnosed, and kids can be prescribed medication that only worsens the condition. With her twenty-five years' experience, child psychiatrist Rosalie Greenberg offers parents and professionals alike an innovative approach to help bipolar youngsters locate that elusive inner calm. Gathering stories from families on the front lines, she shows parents how best to navigate the peaks and valleys of the disorder, addresses family relationships, and guides parents in making meaningful choices about their child's education and treatment options. A masterful book that recognizes the brilliance and creativity in bipolar kids, it will give hope that every child can, with the proper interventions, lead a full, productive life.
Every day can be an ordeal for families struggling with the difficult, moody, "impossible" behavior that may point to childhood depression or bipolar disorder. Effective help for kids does exist, but it often requires a customized combination of medication, therapy, coping skills, and support. From esteemed clinician and researcher Dr. Mary Fristad and fellow treatment expert Dr. Jill Goldberg Arnold, this indispensable book explains how treatment works and what additional steps parents can take at home to help children with mood disorders--and the family as a whole--improve the quality of their lives. Explained are why symptoms look so different (and can be so much harder to manage) in children and teens than in adults, how to find the right doctor or therapist, and how to help kids develop their own "coping toolkits." Bursting with practical tools, FAQs, and examples, the book covers everything from dealing with medical crises to resolving school problems, sibling conflicts, and marital stress.
With proper diagnosis and early intervention, there is unlimited hope for children and teens diagnosed with bipolar disorder to lead fulfilling and enjoyable lives, starting today. Inside, you’ll discover compassionate and informative methods to help manage the diagnosis and develop the natural strengths, gifts, and skills that every child has to offer. Written by a top expert in the field, this life-changing book is presented in clear, straightforward language that dispels the myths about bipolar disorder and offers real solutions. You’ll uncover keen insight and the latest options for helping your bipolar child or teen by understanding: * The causes of bipolar disorder * The path and outcome of bipolar disorder in children and teens * The latest biological treatments and psychosocial therapies, and how to use them * How to handle behavioral and academic problems, as well as assess and manage suicidal tendencies * And much more
Besides the usual parenting challenges, parents of disabled children face added obstacles that can tax the resolve and resources of even the strongest families. Peggy Lou Morgan has developed a powerful system for obtaining dramatically better care for children with one or more serious disabilities. Parenting Your Complex Child reflects the experience and knowledge she has gained through decades of navigating a sea of complex medical, educational, occupational, and social issues while working with disabled clients and with her own son. Morgan’s unique tracking and documentation tools let parents adapt to their child’s challenges, create routines that support the child’s needs, communicate those needs to busy professionals -- and be taken seriously by them. The book also helps parents lay the groundwork for care to continue after they themselves can no longer provide it. Compassionate, practical, and proven, Parenting Your Complex Child helps parents ensure that life-changing decisions are based on the best interests of the child -- and on the best information available.
This extremely practical and supportive guide empowers parents as they sturggles with a child who may be bipolar. The authors' own family experiences, stories from hundreds of other parents of bipolar children, and input from a wide range of mental health professionals provide parents with specific information to deal with the everyday but incredibly challenging issues confronting the entire family. Among the helpful topics included are how to explore the possibility that a child's problem behaviors are a sign of mental illness; finding a mental healthcare professional who can make a diagnosis; understanding what a diagnosis is and isn't; learning parenting strategies to control a child's behavior at home, at school, and in social situations; and balancing the needs of a bipolar child with the needs of everyone else in the family.
The Definitive Resource on How to Identify, Treat, and Thrive with a Bipolar Child More than three million American children suffer from some form of bipolar disorder, a life-impairing illness that can cause wild mood swings and even episodes of rage. But as a parent, can you tell the difference between a temperamental, moody child and one facing serious mental illness? Where do you turn if your child’s tantrums and meltdowns are wreaking havoc? For families as well as professionals, here is the only book on early-onset bipolar disorder written by pediatric specialists who combine clinical care and research. Drawing from their professional experience and sharing stories of families in their practices, child psychiatrist Janet Wozniak and psychiatric nurse Mary Ann McDonnell guide you in how to: •Navigate the “diagnosis tangle” to ensure accurate identification of the disorder •Communicate effectively with doctors, teachers, and counselors •Find allies and choose a treatment team •Help your family cope From medication to coping strategies, this accessible book offers the most up-to-date information as well as inspiration, encouragement, and invaluable wisdom for all involved.
HELP IS HERE Bipolar disorder has recently been identified as one of the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed conditions affecting children -- and it is dramatically on the rise. The Ups and Downs of Raising a Bipolar Child gives parents the sound advice and expert information they need to cope with this challenging diagnosis, and shows how to provide essential care and support for a bipolar child as well as for the rest of the family.
"Kids with DMDD are already in need of treatment, they're just not getting the best treatment that they could be. DMDD shares qualities with ADHD and ODD but also reflects substantial emotional concerns as severe as any bipolar disorder. In this book Dr. Finnerty confronts the popularized notion of "the bipolar child" and offers resources and "less toxic" advice for parents and professionals."--Provided by publisher.