Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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!

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

Monumentally useful, informative, and practical guide to parenting a child or adolescent with bipolar disorder. I wish I had read this book three years ago.

I found this book to be absolutely amazing. I kept finding myself with my mouth hanging open in shock at the fact that what was being written about in the book was EXACTLY what it is like to live in my house. Truly an amazing read. It is an absolute must read for families that deal with this issue. There is a huge feeling of "at least I am no longer alone in this".

I found the scientific information to be interesting and very useful. I have used this to help explain bipolar to my youngest son (10 years old). His older brother is the one with the disease, but it is the family who suffers from it.

After reading it I bought multiple copies to send to my mother and sisters so that they can understand what life is like for my oldest son.

This is a must read for anyone who has a child with this illness, and for teachers, relatives and friends who will be spending a lot of time with them.

Positive Parenting for Bipolar Kids is a welcome resource for long-term issues of living with a bipolar child.Positive is the key word here, and the book definitely gives positive understanding and suggestions.