Is Your Child Bipolar?: The Definitive Resource on How to Identify, Treat, and Thrive with a Bipolar Child [Hardcover]

Mary Ann McDonnell (Author), Janet Wozniak (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 20, 2008

The Definitive Resource on How to Identify, Treat, and Live 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 tempermental, 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.

Health experts once thought bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, did not exist in children and teens. However, leading experts like Janet Wozniak and Mary Ann McDonnell have shown that the illness may appear even before age six, with many cases either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Now, in the most complete and authoritative guide yet, Janet Wozniak, M.D., and psychiatric nurse Mary Ann McDonnell offer their unmatched expertise along with the latest information on this difficult condition.

Drawing from their professional experience and sharing stories of families in their practices, the authors 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

In a rapidly changing field, The Bipolar Disorder clearly explains what researchers know, what they suspect, and where studies now point. From medication to coping strategies, this accessible book offers inspiration, encouragement, and invaluable wisdom for all involved.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Highly informative and compassionate…reflects a deep understanding of the children and their families. This unique approach demystifies the disorder, eases the apprehension that parents feel, and equips them to better work with the professionals who treat and educate their children. [The] memorable concepts and metaphors [in this book]…will long remain with their readers." —Demitri F. Papolos, M.D. and Janice Papolos, authors of The Bipolar Child

"Psychiatric nurse McDonnell and child psychiatrist Wozniak's book on parenting bipolar children stands out from the many other books available on the topic."—Library Journal

“Janet Wozniak is THE authority on childhood bipolar disorder. Indeed, she discovered it, and in doing so she’s saved or improved many lives.”—Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., coauthor of Driven to Distraction

About the Author

Mary Ann McDonnell, A.P.R.N., B.C., is the executive director of S.T.E.P. Up 4 Kids, a nonprofit organization supporting children and teens with bipolar disorder. A clinical university instructor, she also maintains a private practice in pediatric psychopharmacology.

Janet Wozniak, M.D., is the director of Pediatric Bipolar Research at Massachusetts General Hospital, and assistant professor of psychiatry there and at Harvard Medical School.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Bantam (May 20, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553805320
• ISBN-13: 978-0553805321
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 1.2 x 8.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #377,295 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #83 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Mental Health > Bipolar

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you buy only one book, make it this one . . ., June 4, 2008

By 

Kelli B. (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Is Your Child Bipolar?: The Definitive Resource on How to Identify, Treat, and Thrive with a Bipolar Child (Hardcover)

I've been waiting years for Dr. Wozniak to write a book. (I have followed her work closely for almost 10 years, since I had that first nagging feeling that my new baby was different.) Her new book, "Is Your Child Bipolar?", co-authored by Mary Ann McDonnell, a psychiatric nurse specializing in pediatric psychopharmacology, doesn't disappoint.

As the parent of two children with early-onset bipolar disorder, I have made it my mission to read anything and everything on the subject. Most of the non-academic books are great for enlightening the uninitiated or the newly diagnosed. For those of us already in the trenches, these books serve to remind us that we are not as alone as we may feel. This book is a success because it does all that and much more.

The empathy these authors feel for the children and their families is apparent on every page. This validation is critical, particularly with mental illness, where attitudes of ignorance, shame, blame and disbelief still prevail and lead to tremendous isolation. But beyond this need for validation, the caretakers of bipolar children need real help, real guidance and real tools. "Is Your Child Bipolar?" comes closer than anything I've read to providing such a road map.

All too often the bipolar books lump these practicalities into one or two chapters at the end of the book. Not these authors; they provide much-needed detail and specifics. They don't just tell you to assemble a team, they tell you what positions you need filled and which players may be suitable for them. They provide detailed explanations of different types of psychotherapy. (Who knew there was something called dialectical therapy?) And, perhaps most importantly, they teach you how to talk to your child's doctor. For instance, instead of telling your doctor that your child has sleep problems, you might say that your child routinely stays up until midnight, then wakes in the middle of the night talking non-stop and wanting to play as if it were noon. (What I might have said if I'd had the benefit of this book several years ago).

"Is Your Child Bipolar?" effectively illustrates and elucidates the complexity of this illness. (Adding to this complexity is the fact that the majority of these kids have other co-occurring disorders like ADHD and anxiety disorders, which the authors refer to as "Bipolar Plus."). The vignettes and case studies they set forth effectively demonstrate the variability in presentation, treatment response and course of illness. The patient stories they have woven throughout the text teach us how doctors will approach and think about each case and its many variables. And through such stories, we learn how to be an integral part of this complicated and never-ending process.

One of the most difficult aspects of this illness is dealing with the well-meaning but uninformed people around you. As parents of bipolar children, we hear:"She's still young." "She's fine when she's with me." "He just needs to know who the boss is." "But those medications are dangerous." "She's just spirited." "He's just a spoiled brat." "She's a model student." The list goes on.

After reading this book, you will have more to say to the naysayers, many of whom have never seen your child fully symptomatic. (Why haven't they seen the rages? I'll let you read the book to see what the authors say about this common bipolar phenomenon.) As our doctor once reminded me, "you don't need to justify treating your children to anyone." But if you still want to, the authors can help with that discussion.

The authors do a wonderful job of addressing the ambivalence we all feel when faced with this diagnosis and its proposed treatment. Yes, these are serious medications; we must be vigilant in monitoring our children while on them. But, as the authors repeatedly point out, untreated bipolar disorder gets worse and is not without consequence. It affects a child's developing mind and her developing personality. When your child cannot stop worrying, she cannot learn the alphabet or algebra. When he can't play Little League, he misses out on fitness, friendship and more. Her development gets stunted; she gets stuck; she gets left behind. And, worse still, untreated bipolar disorder may be dangerous. Substance abuse, sexual promiscuity, criminal behavior and suicide are very real threats.

If you are a parent of a bipolar child, this book should go to the top of your list of books to own. It's a How-To book that you will need forever. If you are the grandparent, aunt, uncle, friend or loved one of a child with bipolar disorder, you should read this book. That child and his or her parents desperately need your informed support. This book will get you there.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Is Your Child Bipolar?... Essential Reading for Anyone Needing Knowledge About This Subject, June 4, 2008

By 

Anne "Anne" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Is Your Child Bipolar?: The Definitive Resource on How to Identify, Treat, and Thrive with a Bipolar Child (Hardcover)

As a teacher and the parent of a bipolar child who has become a bipolar adolescent, I have a large shelf full of books devoted to the topic of Bipolar Disorder and related issues. Is Your Child Bipolar? contains a brilliant presentation of the information needed to identify signs of the illness, find a doctor, and design a treatment plan and program for your child that creates a prognosis for success.
The medical information is presented in readable, understandable fashion. Examples provided from clinical knowledge and experience present a clear picture of the intricacy of bipolar disorder and its comorbidities.
There is a wealth of information on how to obtain the best educational environment for your child. The legal aspects and rights of parent and child are defined. Various types of therapy are discussed, and there are strategies for maintaining a cohesive, thriving family amid the challenges of this illness. "Thrive" is a key word.
Bravo, Janet Wozniak, Mary Ann McDonnell and Judy Fort Brenneman!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Positive Parenting for Bipolar Kids, May 4, 2010

By 

Debbie J. Hetge - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Positive Parenting for Bipolar Kids: How to Identify, Treat, Manage, and Rise to the Challenge (Paperback)

I have been extremely pleased with this book - thurs/friday/saturday - I have already read 1/2 way through it - it has great information - a lot of what is in here I have heard from other parents who have the same issues and from her therapist - and a lot of things I hadn't known about the disease - I can't wait to finisht the book - I hope other parents out there that are struggling with (Adolescent Bipolar) especially in the early stage (which is where I am) read this book - It is written on a level that any one can understand - it is on the common persons level - and it is easy reading - If you have a child who has recently been diagnosed with Bipolar (as I have, since the end of March 2010) I highly recommend this book - the Appendix is full of great contact information and where to seek more information - my advise is to get all the information you can and learn from it - This is heartbreaking when it is your own child - I can not recommend this book enough to those of you struggling out there looking, reaching for answers - It hasn't answered all of my questions (not sure anyone can) but it is a great comfort - and the copyright date is 2009 - so the information is fairly current - and the authors are very knowledgeable and compassionate to the reader - please if you are looking for help with Bipolar for your child (mine is 13) purchase this book - you'll be glad you did - I am!! And thank you to the authors of this book - It is greatly appreciated by me and my daughter - We have a long road ahead of us - all we as parents can do is educate ourselves and the ones around us as much as possible - and hope that one day they will find a cure so other children do not have to suffer - DH