Product Description

When a child or adolescent is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it’s hard for his or her parents to know exactly what to do. What constitutes an effective therapeutic approach to help their bipolar child navigate childhood and adolescence? 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.

In addition to a thorough explanation of the often necessary medical treatments for bipolar disorder, the book also details the importance of emotional regulation in bipolar children. Techniques for dealing with displays of rage, anger, and irritability in children are covered. The book also addresses sleep deprivation, one of the most common symptoms of childhood bipolar disorder, and the issues young people with bipolar disorder face in school. Subjects of particular interest to parents of older children and adolescents are covered, such as substance abuse, eating disorders, violence, and suicide. All of this information is complemented by advice on parental self-care and integrating the care of the bipolar child with the needs of the rest of the family.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #150994 in Books
• Published on: 2006-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 278 pages

From the Publisher
This comprehensive approach to the treatment of children with bipolar disorder offers parents step-by-step advice for selecting professional care and medication, dealing with sleep problems, and managing the child’s issues at school.

About the Author
Gianni L. Faedda, MD, is a psychiatrist and psychopharmacologist and director of the Lucio Bini Mood Disorders Center of New York. He has published and lectured extensively on the subject of Mood Disorders in adults and in children.

Nancy B. Austin, Psy.D., is associate director of the Lucio Bini Mood Disorders Center of New York.

Customer Reviews

Parenting a Bipolar Child: What to Do and Why
I found Parenting a Bipolar Child: What to Do and Why a wonderful addition to my home reference library. Dr. Faedda has so much knowledge of the intricacies of the illness, from how the child experiences the disorder to the way the parents, family members, teachers and school administrators respond to the children. Its emphasis on forming a team with your child so that you become their biggest advocate, the childs need for structure, sleep and a medication regime, to what stressors affect our children the most, are all actions that can be easily implemented and can have such a positive effect on the childs stability. The book was so in tune with my daily experiences as a parent and didn't have that "clinical" feel to me. It made me feel like there really is a doctor who listens and understands what the parents and the children go through on a daily basis.

A n essential book for any parent of a bipolar child
Raising a bipolar child is a frightening and frustrating experience, causing many parents to feel helpless and overwhelmed. This new book by Drs. Austin and Faedda unlocks some of the mysteries of this childhood mood disorder and opens the door for parents to learn effective parenting skills as well as how to find the best resources and be their child's best advocate. In this user-friendly book, reflecting years of clinical experience by both doctors, parents can understand diagnostic criteria as well as the most up to date and effective treatment options. No parent of a child with bipolar disorder should be without access to the cutting-edge information and tools inside this book.

Clear Advice on a Confounding Condition
As the parent of a child with bipolar, I have collected many books on the subject since my teenage son was diagnosed five years ago. PARENTING A BIPOLAR CHILD now holds a prominent place by my bedside. It is clear, concise and compassionate. It helps me to navigate through the difficult times and reminds me of the basic ways I can help my child succeed. I have given a copy to our pediatrician. I want to give it to all his teachers.