WHAT WORKS FOR BIPOLAR KIDS

Mani Pavuluri, MD, PhD, is Associate Professor of Child Psychiatry and Founding Director of the Pediatric Mood Disorders Clinic and Pediatric Bipolar Research Program at the Institute for Juvenile Research, University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a widely cited expert on psychological disorders in young children and has been listed as one of aaC--A"AmericaaaC--(t)s Top Psychiatrist's by the Consumers' Research Council.

Parents of children with bipolar disorder shouldn't have to settle for a trial-and-error approach to their child's well-being--they deserve immediate access to solidly researched and effective therapies. In this compassionate and optimistic book, expert clinician and renowned researcher Mani Pavuluri helps guide parents to proven treatments that are right for "their" child. Based on 20 years of experience with bipolar kids and their families, the book delivers step-by-step strategies for reducing or eliminating problems with mania, depression, aggression, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms. Parents learn how to deal with crises, partner with teachers and other school professionals, and work with doctors to effectively integrate medications with psychotherapy. Crucially, "What Works for Bipolar Kids" also emphasizes practical ways to maintain a positive atmosphere at home and to help these kids stay balanced, focus on their achievements, and feel good about themselves.

Resko, Foreword. Introduction. Helping Your Bipolar Child: A Fresh Outlook. Part I: The Facts and Fundamentals: Knowing the Playground. Yes, Bipolar Disorder Does Occur in Children. Does My Child Really Have Bipolar Disorder? Finding the Right Doctor and Treatment Team. Part II: Treatment That Can Help Your Child and Your Family: Finding the Solutions. Setting the Stage to Make the Most of Treatment: Principles to Get You Off to a Good Start. Managing Your Child's Moods with Medication. Making Life Better with RAINBOW Therapy. Parenting with Poise: The Secret Ingredient for Success. Part III: Pulling it all Together into Strategies for Specific Situations: Wisdom That Gets You Centered. Keeping the Peace at Home. Finding the Best School Setting and Programs for Your Child. Forming a Partnership with Your Child's Teacher. 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.