Raising a Moody Child: How to Cope with Depression and Bipolar Disorder [Paperback]

Mary A. Fristad (Author), Jill S. Goldberg Arnold (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 2003

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Bipolar illness and depression can derail a child’s normal development at any age. With sage advice to parents (and kids) that 'it’s not your fault, but it’s your challenge,' the authors provide a roadmap and a toolkit of strategies for families facing these complicated, heritable, and treatable medical disorders. Highly recommended."--Martha Hellander, Executive Director, Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation

"As the mother of two children who have been diagnosed with mood disorders, I found this book invaluable. It is extremely thorough and readable; provides solid, current information; and covers every aspect of life that is affected by these disorders. In short, the book helps families navigate murky and formidable waters. It is a great plus to have such a resource available."--Edna Wright, Bexley, OH

"This is an extremely reassuring and eminently practical book that educates and empowers parents of children with bipolar disorder. Not only does it demystify situations that so often paralyze parents, it moves them to a place where they can become much more effective in helping their ill children as well as their family as a whole."--Demitri F. Papolos, MD, and Janice Papolos, authors of The Bipolar Child

"Until we have a 'cure' for mood disorders, young people, their families, and educators will need informed and sensible ways of understanding and managing them. Raising a Moody Child provides state-of-the-art information interwoven with strategies the authors have developed over the years to mitigate the challenges as well as celebrate the strengths posed by 'moody' young people."--Gabrielle A. Carlson, MD, Director, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stony Brook University

About the Author

Mary A. Fristad, PhD, ABPP, is Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology at the Ohio State University, where she is also Director of Research and Psychological Services in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. A distinguished researcher and clinician, she has published over 100 professional articles, chapters, and books on childhood mood disorders.

Jill S. Goldberg Arnold, PhD, is a researcher and seasoned clinician with multiple publications in the area of childhood mood disorders. Previously, she was a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Ohio State University. She currently maintains a private practice in the greater Philadelphia area.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 260 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press; 1 edition (October 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572308710
• ISBN-13: 978-1572308718
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #115,536 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Mental Health > Postpartum Depression

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Realistic, Informed, and Practical, February 11, 2004

By 

Sandy Fugate (Carmel, IN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Raising a Moody Child: How to Cope with Depression and Bipolar Disorder (Paperback)

As the mother of a bipolar child, I've read just about everything available. While "The Bipolar Child" informs about childhood bipolar disorder, "Raising A Moody Child" assumes that, as parents, we already know about the disorder and now need nuts-and-bolts coping strategies and techniques. (Am not knocking "The Bipolar Child." It was a necessary, groundbreaking book.)

I found that this book, however, offered what our family needs at this point in our daughter's life: tips, ideas, suggestions, and specifics to help parents and bipolar children cope.

The authors clearly respect parents' existing base of knowledge about bipolar and trust them enough to make use of the information provided without having to rehash the details of the disorder ad infinitum.

While this book may be informative to those who want to know more about some of the issues parents of bipolar children face, the book clearly is aimed specifically at the parents who already are on the front lines.

The book is written in a clear, no-nonsense, easy-to-follow fashion. I came away from this book with numerous strategies for helping my daughter deal with her mood swings--(techniques ranging from Playdough art projects to smacking a tennis ball against the garage wall).

This is an excellent read for any parent struggling with the problems of a bipolar child. Obviously, it's not a cure-all, but it's easy to read and, as 'bipolar parents' know, ideas for coping mechanisms are always welcome.

I appeciated the authors' directness and writing style. Although I read the book all the way through, I still pick it up now and then to flip to various sections for new ideas, to refresh my memory about a medication, or to give myself a pep talk.

Thanks so much to the authors for writing this book, and to my child's therapist for recommending it.

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful, Uplifting & Essential, November 19, 2003

By 

Russell Friedman (Sherman Oaks, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Raising a Moody Child: How to Cope with Depression and Bipolar Disorder (Paperback)

Finally, a book that addresses all sides of this painful spectrum - lovingly, practically, and compassionately. This book explains Depression and Bipolar Disorder along with strategies to deal with it effectively, in language that parents and kids can understand. Together, they can take the actions that lead to succesful and happy lives.

It is one thing to face a singular loss, but yet another when the grief of an ongoing condition presents itself on a daily. basis. This book goes a long way to helping all concerned deal with that reality.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for parents., February 11, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Raising a Moody Child: How to Cope with Depression and Bipolar Disorder (Paperback)

I work as an inpatient clinician on a child/adolescent unit. This book answers the questions and gives the guidance I am frequently asked for. Clearly it is a book that was written by very knowledgable professionals who have a compasionate understanding for what the overwhelmed parents of these children need. It is clearly written and full of practical advice and useful tools. I strongly recommend it for anyone with a child/teen with a mood problem. If you know one of these parents-buy it as a gift for them-they are probably too busy dealing with their life to get it for themselves.