Survival Strategies for Parenting Children with Bipolar Disorder: Innovative Parenting and Counseling Techniques for Helping Children with Bipolar Disorder and the Conditions That May Occur With It

by George Lynn

Overview

Bipolar Disorder is often underdiagnosed in children. They are sometimes misdiagnosed with ADHD, depression, or oppositional defiance. As more awareness around Bipolar Disorder grows, George Lynn offers clear, practical advice on recognizing the symptoms, understanding medication and accessing the necessary support at school as well as the managing the day-to-day challenges of parenting a child with Bipolar Disorder. As it is frequently found in combination with ADHD, Tourette Syndrome and Asperger's Syndrome, the author draws on case-studies from his own psychotherapeutic practice to show what these conditions have in common, how they differ, and how they relate to each other.

Survival Strategies for Parenting Children with Bipolar Disorder tackles the most difficult decisions parents can face, including whether to involve police or consider hospitalization if their children are a danger to themselves and their families. At the same time, it emphasizes the positive qualities these children often have and illustrates how their gifts and abilities can build their self-esteem and help them function better in society. However severe the child's symptoms, George Lynn's book will provide guidance, support and inspiration for parents and carers as well as being a useful resource for professionals working with the families who suffer as a result of this disorder.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781846421204
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	07/24/2000
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	944 KB

About the Author

George Lynn is a Certified Medical Health Counselor who has pioneered the use of psychotherapy for adults and children with neuropsychological issues. When his son was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome in 1991, he realized that personality can be powerfully impacted by brain chemistry independent of environment. He now works with children and adults with ADD, Tourette Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Asperger's Syndrome. He is the author of Survival Strategies for Parenting your ADD Child: Dealing with Obsessions, Compulsions, Depression, Explosive Behaviour and Rage, published by Underwood Books.

Table of Contents

Introduction: 'I'm so sad. I'm so sad!' The inner experience of the child with Bipolar Disorder. Part One: Bipolar Disorder in Children. Dealing with sudden rage, aggressive depression, oppositionality and crazy thinking. 1. The Warrior: How to identify the presence of Bipolar Disorder in Children. 2. The brain chemistry of Bipolar Disorder and the drugs used to treat it. 3. Martha's story: Understanding and managing rage in children with Bipolar Disorder. 4. Tom's story: Charting a change strategy for a teen with Bipolar Disorder. 5. Compassion makes a big difference: The empathy factor in children with Bipolar Disorder. 6. Innovative non-pharmacological treatment approaches for Bipolar Disorder, ADD and depression in children. Part Two: Asperger's Syndrome and Bipolar Disorder in Teens. Managing inertia, school resistance, stimulus craving and lack of common sense. 7. The Hermit: Asperger's Disorder - Helping the brilliant, anxious and oppositional child find his way and express his gifts. 8. Sean's Case: Helping a child with dual diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder and Asperger's Syndrome. Part Three: Soothing the hurt of Tourette Syndrome and Bipolar Disorder. 9. Tourette Syndrome: The wild heart of the Restless Explorer. 10. A shoulder to scream on: How to help children living with the fiery extremes of comorbid Tourette Syndrome and Bipolar Disorder. Part Four: ADHD at Its Extremes. 11. A matter of degree: How to know the difference between ADHD and Bipolar Disorder. Part Five: Hard Decisions. 12. How to choose the best physician, therapist and teacher for the child with Bipolar-like learning issues. 13. The hardest decisions: How to decide if police involvement or psychiatric hospitalisation are necessary and how to make these actions part of your healing plan. Conclusion: When all is said and done: Six keys to personal wellness for families of children with Bipolar Disorder. Appendix 1: Online resources. References. Index.

Editorial Reviews

A definitive guide covering all aspects of Bipolar in children, from spotting the symptoms to getting the correct interventions to help cope with the condition. This book explains the Biological causes and helps to separate the symptoms from those of other conditions including, Tourettes, Aspergers and ADHD, whilst acknowledging that the conditions can appear as co-morbid in some children. Full of practical help and support George Lynn discusses various case histories and how to cope as a parent, along with a guide to help the child learn strategies to live with Bipolar.'

- adders.org

'The author, George Lynn, is a certified medical health counselor who has pioneered the usage of psychotherapy for adults and children with neuropsychological issues. When his own son was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome in 1991, he realized that personality can be powerfully impacted by brain chemistry independent of environment...The book is orientated for parents, but I believe many professionals can find helpful tips and information.'

- International Journal of Adolescent Medical Health

'George T. Lynn's book, Survival Strategies for Parenting Children with Bipolar Disorder is a valuable resource for parents and those in the mental health profession. The author draws on his experience as a counselor to describe the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and Bipolar Disorder co-existing with Asperger's Syndrome, Tourette's Disorder or ADHD. He provides a clear, comprehensive perspective on effectively parenting a child with bipolar disorder. He also explains what characteristics the disorders have in common and how they differ from each other. Lynn is skilled at developing the differential diagnosis of disorders that often have significant overlapping characteristics.

In every chapter Lynn provides a comprehensive case history, parent survival strategies and simple, straightforward tips for 'surviving meltdowns.' He includes a section on brain physiology, medication management and school success. He gives practical advice about difficult decisions that parents often have to make, including when to call the police and the pros and cons of psychiatric hospitalization.

With this book, George Lynn has made a major contribution in the area of parenting children with Bipolar Disorder. He successfully instructs the reader on how to understand and identify the symptoms of these disorders and at the same time how to focus on the child's strengths or "gifts". He delivers a well written and interesting book that provides realistic solutions to difficult problems, and hope to families of these exceptional children.'

- Metapsychology Online Review

From the Publisher