Parents of children with bipolar disorder shouldn’t have to settle for a trial-and-error approach to their child’s well-being—they deserve immediate access to solidly researched and effective therapies. In this compassionate and optimistic book, expert clinician and renowned researcher Mani Pavuluri helps guide parents to proven treatments that are right for their child. Based on 20 years of experience with bipolar kids and their families, the book delivers step-by-step strategies for reducing or eliminating problems with mania, depression, aggression, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms. Parents learn how to deal with crises, negotiate school, and work with doctors to effectively integrate medications with psychotherapy. Crucially, What Works for Bipolar Kids also emphasizes practical ways to maintain a positive atmosphere at home and to help these kids stay balanced, focus on their achievements, and feel good about themselves.
--- from the publisher Reviews: "Finally, a book about pediatric bipolar disorder that really gets it right, offering help and hope where so much misinformation and misunderstanding have interfered with parents' getting the best for their child. Given all the confusion about diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Pavuluri's book is a godsend for parents. Her writing is warm and welcoming, and her practical wisdom and common sense leap off the page."--Peter S. Jensen, MD, Director, The REACH Institute "The approach in this book has helped me achieve new stability for my twelve-year-old son. For parents in search of help, this book will become your compass for all that lies ahead. Dr. Pavuluri's expertise, passion, and tireless effort shine through on every page. She provides excellent information on how to manage bipolar disorder, choose and communicate with care providers, and advocate for your child in the school and health insurance arenas. The book is refreshing in its overarching sense of optimism, empathy, and support."--J. McCarthy, parent "It's as if Dr. Pavuluri wrote this book for me and my family! Reading it gave me a better understanding of why my son with bipolar disorder acts the way he does, together with tools to help alleviate his pain. Throughout, Dr. Pavuluri demonstrates her understanding of these children's feelings and provides invaluable explanations and resources. This book shows parents like me that we are not alone. It is truly inspirational, and has given me new hope for my son."--Laurie P., parent "Dr. Pavuluri speaks frankly to parents, but with a comforting wisdom. She compares treatment to building a house--medication management is the foundation, psychological counselingprovides the bricks, and family therapy is the cement that holds it all together. This book provides a useful and encouraging blueprint."--Gabrielle A. Carlson, MD, Director, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stony Brook University School of Medicine "The ups and downs of raising a bipolar child, the incredible stress on families, the frustrations in finding the right medications, the constant battles for the support of the school system--Dr. Pavuluri has seen it all. In this concise, accessible volume, she explains her innovative approach to helping parents manage a child's mood disorder and deal with their own emotional reactions. This book will be of considerable help to parents struggling to make sense of the disorder and of the myriad clinical recommendations they may receive. It will also be a helpful introduction for clinicians seeking to understand the development, diagnosis, and treatment of early-onset bipolar disorder, and its effects on families."--David J. Miklowitz, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Boulder Contents: Foreword, Susan Resko
Introduction. Helping Your Bipolar Child: A Fresh Outlook
I. The Facts and Fundamentals: Knowing the Playground
1. Yes, Bipolar Disorder Does Occur in Children
2. Does My Child Really Have Bipolar Disorder?
3. Finding the Right Doctor and Treatment Team
II. Treatment That Can Help Your Child and Your Family: Finding the Solutions
4. Setting the Stage to Make the Most of Treatment: Principles to Get You Off to a Good Start
5. Managing Your Child’s Moods with Medication
6. Making Life Better with RAINBOW Therapy
7. Parenting with Poise: The Secret Ingredient for Success
III. Pulling It All Together into Strategies for Specific Situations: Wisdom That Gets You Centered
8. Keeping the Peace at Home
9. Finding the Best School Setting and Programs for Your Child
10. Forming a Partnership with Your Child’s Teacher
11. Building Social Skills for Positive Friendships
? A Final Word
? Appendix A. Principles for Meeting the Challenge of Bipolar Disorder
? Appendix B. Child Mania Rating Scale—Parent Version (CMRS-P)
? Appendix C. Child Mania Rating Scale—Teacher Version (CMRS-T)
? Appendix D. Medication: Tracking the History of Response
? Appendix E. Pediatric Side Effects Checklist (P-SEC)
? Appendix F. Medications Used for Bipolar Disorder in Children
? Appendix G. Daily Mood Calendar
? Appendix H. Framework for a Physician–School Teleconference
? Resources About the Author: Mani Pavuluri, MD, PhD, is Associate Professor of Child Psychiatry and Founding Director of the Pediatric Mood Disorders Clinic and Pediatric Bipolar Research Program at the Institute for Juvenile Research, University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a widely cited expert on psychological disorders in young children and has been listed as one of “America’s Top Psychiatrists” by the Consumers’ Research Council. |
