Clinical Manual for Management of Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents was written in response to the growing body of knowledge surrounding pediatric bipolar illness and the underlying biological, environmental, and psychosocial influences that exacerbate symptoms and behavior. Written to provide clinically useful information about diagnosis and management, this manual is a comprehensive collection of empirical evidence, case studies, and the growing number of evidence-based reports on pediatric bipolar disorder over the past five years.

This manual also contains several chapters provided by Dr. Mary Fristad and her team at The Ohio State University -- experts in family and psychosocial aspects of pediatric bipolar disorder. Her contributions, along with vast clinical evidence and the expertise provided by Drs. Kowatch, Findling, and Post, help paint an accurate picture of everything from age onset to the effectiveness of various therapies. In this manual, clinicians can refer to the following tools: - A clinical description of childhood and adolescent bipolar disorder - Management strategies for the patient including daily mood charting- Current medication strategies and tactics- Ways to help patients through the educational system- Resources for clinicians, parents and patients- A review of the future directions for childhood and adolescent bipolar disorder

The many new developments in the field of pediatric bipolar disorder are affirming what this manual emphasizes -- that a combination of family and cognitive-behavior therapy can work in tandem with medical treatments to help young bipolar disorder patients achieve a more balanced life and a greater chance of controlling this illness later in life. The manual demonstrates how the medical community has shifted from asking, "Does bipolar disorder really exist in children and adolescents" to "How can we best predict, diagnose and treat this serious medical disorder" through a review of 25 years of study and insight.

Covering both the ChIPS and P-ChIPS, the "Administration Booklet" is informative and user-friendly. It presents background information about the interview's development, detailed instructions for conducting the interview and recording its results, explicit criteria for assessing interviewee responses, complete specifications for preparing mental health paraprofessionals to administer the interview, and illustrative case studies.

Packed with ready-to-use clinical tools, this book presents the first evidence-based psychosocial treatment for school-age children with bipolar disorder or depression. Leading clinician-researcher Mary Fristad and her colleagues show how to integrate psychoeducational strategies with cognitive-behavioral and family therapy techniques. They provide nuts-and-bolts information for implementing the approach with individual families or groups. Kids learn to identify and manage mood states while parents learn essential skills for problem solving, crisis management, improving family functioning, and collaborating with schools and mental health systems. In a large-size format with lay-flat binding for easy photocopying, the book features nearly 100 reproducible handouts and children's activities.

When bipolar disorder afflicts the person you love, you suffer too. How have other couples learned to manage the relationship strains caused by this illness? What can you do to provide your partner with truly helpful nurturance and support? No one cares more deeply about these questions than Dr. Cynthia Last, a highly regarded therapist/researcher who also has bipolar disorder. Sharing stories and solutions from her own experience and the couples she has treated, Dr. Last offers heartfelt, practical guidance for getting through the out-of-control highs and the devastating lows--together. Learn how you can help your spouse come to terms with a bipolar diagnosis, get the most out of treatment, and reduce or prevent future mood episodes, while also taking care of yourself.