It may be hard to believe your child will ever get better, but kids with bipolar disorder can and do lead healthy, stable lives. In this compassionate and optimistic book, expert clinician and renowned researcher Mani Pavuluri delivers information, advice, and proven strategies that empower you to deal with the challenges of bipolar disorder and help your child get well. Drawing on 20 years of experience with bipolar kids and their families, she provides solidly researched strategies for reducing or eliminating problems with mania, aggression, sleep disturbances, depression, and other issues. You'll discover practical ways to handle crises at home and in school, work with professionals to find an effective combination of medicine and psychotherapy, and cultivate a supportive community of friends and peers for your child. Dr. Pavuluri also helps you deal with the stress that comes with parenting, so you can maintain your poise, focus on the positive, and be a powerful advocate for your child. Winner--American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year Award
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
