Parenting a Bipolar Child: What to Do and Why [Paperback]

Gianni L. Faedda (Author), Nancy B. Austin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2006

When your child or adolescent is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, what can you do to help him or her get better? Which therapeutic approach is best to help your child? 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 you can use to deal with this condition.

In addition to finding a thorough explanation of the often necessary medical treatments for bipolar disorder, you'll learn the importance of emotion regulation for children with this condition. The book offers techniques for dealing with outbursts of rage, anger, and irritability in your child, as well as ways to handle sleep disorders, among the most common symptoms of childhood bipolar disorder. You'll also find information relevant to adolescents, such as substance abuse and eating disorders, as well as ways to integrate bipolar care with your own needs and those of the rest of your family.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This is a superb book that all parents, educators, and clinicians should read. Not only do the authors provide an excellent overview of the pharmacological treatment of the disorder, but they offer trenchant case vignettes that go a long way to clarifying the various presentations of the illness from early childhood through adolescence. In addition, the book provides a useful toolkit for parents to better understand, empathize, and develop strategies to deal with the errant and often overwhelming behaviors these children manifest. We highly recommend this book.
—Demitri F. Papolos, MD, and Janice Papolos, authors of The Bipolar Child

This book is extraordinarily helpful in presenting a picture of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder. The case illustrations present a very clear picture of the symptoms that define the disorder. The information on psychopharmacological treatment and psychological treatment are valuable resources for parents and professionals alike.
—Ira Glovinsky, Ph.D., director of the Childhood Mood Disorder Program at the Interdisciplinary Center for the Family in West Bloomfield, MI, and adjunct professor of psychology at Madonna University in Livonia, MI

Drs. Faedda and Austin have done a remarkable job of describing bipolar disorder in children. Their combined clinical experience lends richness to the practical suggestions they have for families in managing this difficult illness. Reading Parenting a Bipolar Child will bring relief to stressed and confused parents struggling for answers as they navigate the complex diagnostic and treatment pathway for youth with bipolar disorder.
—Mary A. Fristad, PhD, ABPP, professor of psychiatry and psychology at Ohio State University and author of Raising a Moody Child

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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications; 1 edition (November 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572244232
• ISBN-13: 978-1572244238
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #144,285 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Mental Health > Bipolar

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Parenting a Bipolar Child: What to Do and Why, November 9, 2006

By 

C. Casey (East Islip, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Parenting a Bipolar Child: What to Do and Why (Paperback)

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A n essential book for any parent of a bipolar child, January 1, 2007

By 

Julie Sayres (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Parenting a Bipolar Child: What to Do and Why (Paperback)

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear Advice on a Confounding Condition, September 15, 2007

By 

Grateful Parent - See all my reviews

This review is from: Parenting a Bipolar Child: What to Do and Why (Paperback)

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.