Introduction
Bipolar disorder has long been recognized in the adult population; and yet, more than half of these adult sufferers report the onset of symptoms prior to age 18. Despite this recognition, childhood bipolar disorder continues to be hotly debated and it can be hard to find real, helpful answers. Whether you are worrying that your child may have bipolar disorder, dealing with a newly diagnosed child, worried about misdiagnosis, or an old-hand at the disorder simply looking for some fresh ideas, you have tough issues and questions that deserve straightforward, no-nonsense answers.
This book has been written to give you those answers based on the most up to date information the field has to offer. The questions and answers were a joint effort by a mother who has been in nearly every parenting stage of bipolar disorder, from very young children to teenagers and a medical doctor who treats the condition, seeing a wide variety of patients with the illness. Combining personal experience and medical expertise has resulted in a medically accurate picture with a first-hand intimate knowledge of what parents really want and need to know. Each author adds a unique perspective and a wealth of usable information to the book. If you have ever wanted to sit with an experienced mother and a physician side by side, ask them endless questions and get real answers for your everyday life, this is the book for you. It will serve as a reference for years to come as you go through various stages of your child’s life and illness. Whenever possible, the authors have sought to give you tips, suggestions and advice that have been proven to work for others. Please note that for ease of reading and writing, pronouns in the book are in the male gender but apply equally to females. No discrimination is intended by this use.
The book contains plans to assist you in taking what you have learned and moving your child towards success. The authors recognize that each plan is very individual, but the goal should always be for the personal assessments to help you examine your own child’s situation and put into place both short term and long term goals to help your family.
The answers in this book were written with the recognition that your time is precious. We know you may be reading in between dealing with difficult situations. In respect for this, we have endeavored to be extremely concise and to the point. The book may be read from cover to cover but it has been designed so that you can pick it up, read an answer to any question that concerns you, and have immediate access to the specific information you need. It is our hope that this book will prove to be a constant resource for you.
Excerpt from The Childhood Bipolar Disorder Answer Book published by Sourcebooks, Inc.
Copyright 2008 by Tracy Anglada and Sheryl Hakala All Rights Reserved