The Bipolar Child: The Definitive and Reassuring Guide to Childhood's Most Misunderstood Disorder

by Demitri Papolos, Janice Papolos

Since it first appeared on bookshelves, The Bipolar Child has made an indelible mark on the field of psychiatry and has become the resource that families rely upon. Now, with more than 200,000 copies sold, the first book about early-onset bipolar disorder is completely revised and expanded.

Bipolar disorder—manic depression—was once thought to be rare in children. Now researchers are discovering not only that bipolar disorder can begin early in life, but that it is much more common than ever imagined. Yet the illness is often misdiagnosed and mistreated with medications that can exacerbate the symptoms. Why? Bipolar disorder manifests itself differently in children than in adults, and in children there is an overlap of symptoms with other childhood psychiatric disorders. As a result, these kids may be labeled with any of a number of psychiatric “ADHD,” “depression,” “oppositional defiant disorder,” “obsessive-compulsive disorder,” or “generalized anxiety disorder.” Too often they are treated with stimulants or antidepressants—medications that can actually worsen the bipolar condition.

Since the publication of its first edition, The Bipolar Child has helped many thousands of families get to the root cause of their children’s behaviors and symptoms and find what they need to know. The Papoloses comprehensively detail the diagnosis, explain how to find good treatment and medications, and advise parents about ways to advocate effectively for their children in school. In this edition, a greatly expanded education chapter describes all the changes in educational law due to the 2004 reauthorization of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), and offers a multitude of ideas for parents and educators to help the children feel more comfortable in the academic environment. The book also contains crucial information about hospitalization, the importance of neuropsychological testing (with a recommended battery of tests), and the world of insurance. Included in these pages is information on promising new drugs, greater insight into the special concerns of teenagers, and additional sections on the impact of the illness on the family. In addition, an entirely new chapter focuses on major advances taking place in the field of molecular genetics and offers hope that researchers will better understand the illness and develop more targeted and easier-to-tolerate medicines.

The Bipolar Child is rich with the voices of parents, siblings, and the children themselves, opening up the long-closed world of the families struggling with this condition. This book has already proved to be an invaluable resource for parents whose children suffer from mood disorders, as well as for the professionals who treat and educate them, and this new edition is sure to continue to light the way.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Parenting, Mental Illness, Mental Health, Reference, Self Help

496 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is clearly a polemic. The husband-wife Papalos pair have definitely contributed to the massive increase in the diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children in the past 15yrs due to their assertion that a good percentage of children have this disorder (you can tell because they are hyper sometimes, crave sugar and sometimes get angry when you say 'no'... I may be exaggerating a little, but... the sale of something like over 200,000 copies of this book has made an impact. BUT, while I do believe that bipolar disorder is frequently overdiagnosed in children, if you read this book while thinking about those kids that actually DO have this disorder, it is very informative.

[Tracy Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for anyone who loves a bi-polar child. As I read this book, I highlighted all of the behaviors that my niece, who was recently diagnosed with bi-polar, demonstrates. Caretakers will learn some of the typical behaviors that they may expect of a child suffering from this illness. After reading this book, you may feel a kinship with others, like you, who are challenged with finding the right doctor, medicine, treatment, school, etc. I felt a much better understanding for all that my niece was experiencing after reading this book.

[Daisy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't like how this book purports that medication is the only answer to this illness.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take it for what it is, a book of general information. Your own experiences will be somewhat unique to you but these landmarks are so important. This isn't a fast moving novel; it's an informative compilation of advice, experiences, symptoms, general understanding of early onset BPD currently (new editions are printed), introductions to similar disorders mirroring symptoms of BPD, coaching on how to advocate, and more. This book is not intended for you to self diagnose or to diagnose your child, it is, however; a tool to recognize where you may be, understand and gain empathy for your child, and have a meaningful and purpose led dialog with a trained professional. If you're looking for the absolute cutting edge information you may want to start reading medical, psychiatric, and psychological peer reveiw journals. If you're looking for a foundation if information, hope, and insight, this is a fabulous book.

[ʀᴀᴠᴇɴ ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay so i did a speedrun for the last 200+ pages because it was getting too technical—they really went into it and scrutinized every detail and experience—they even included handling court cases and due processes if schools refuse to provide special treatment towards bipolar children. i learned a lot, mostly about myself and how i was as a child suffering symptoms of early onset bipolar disorder. it all makes a lot of sense now. it's such a really really complicated disorder, almost like all mainstream psychiatric disorders at once—i often contemplated a lot if i had comorbid disorders—but it was all just the bipolar. this book also solidified the point that if free health care doesn't exist, with my medicines being this expensive, i'm pretty much fucked, rawdogging life with this illness. i would be better off killing myself, honestly.

[Marian · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is awful and is not steeped in solid research. The entire book seems anectodal, and now that the new DSM has come out, seems even more irrelevant. More importantly, research shows that children diagnosed with this disorder do not have it as adults, rendering this book almost obsolete. I do not recommend this book.

[Debi Salanitro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I refer to again and again and again.
While it contains a lot of medical jargo it has explanations of that medical jargon and it's written for real people dealing with real issues! I love it!

[Allison Wonderland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing sections on meds and behaviors. Great for clinicians or parents of bipolar kids.

[Jennifer Ricks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty much everything known about pediatric bipolar disorder in 2006. In dire need of an update! Most everything was about Bipolar I.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s some useful content, but you have to weed through it. At this point, it’s quite dated and sorely in need of updating. It also has problematic content re: the hypersexualization that’s a symptom of pediatric bipolar—the way they discuss girls is gross and patriarchal. The judgement passed on other special needs groups is rich; bipolar kids shouldn’t be with “juvenile delinquents”—what about when they’re one and the same? There’s also a decent amount of Christian based content that you can take or leave. Their recommendation and endorsement of “wilderness rehab” and boarding schools is problematic as hell.

There’s good content to be had, but you have to wade through the crap to get to it.

[Brittney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very informative but outdated. I got it for free at a library sale, and it’s interesting to see how far we have come. I do not have bipolar children, but I wanted to see signs in general and see if I experienced any of those things as a child.
It’s written like a textbook, so you have to really be interested in the subject in order to read it.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I would get more out of this book if I actually had a need to read this. I read it for my own enlightenment. It is very informative and has great suggestions, although some are possibly a little out of date when it comes to actual places to go for resources, but the principles are still there.

[Rowan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although already outdated, this book is a pretty comprehensive beginning if you want the 411 on childhood bipolar disorder.

[Blaine Morrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parents and caregivers of bipolar children will find this a valuable resource for diagnosis/treatment options, coping strategies, school issues, and sources of help.

[Brittany]

Had the first edition-3rd looked more helpful. Insightful info on psychopharmacology for bipolar and differential diagnosis. Also tips on insurance, IEP, and hospitalization

[Shaunaly Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

When my middle child was very young, I was at a loss as to what was going on inside of her. I began a mad search delving into every book I could find, visiting every doctor's office, psychologist, psychiatrist and many children's therapists to find some answers to the millions of questions I had burning inside of me. So often, I found myself pondering how some actually obtained their medical degree because they knew nothing that resembled anything that my daughter was going through. Many wanted to simply shove pills down her throat as quickly as they wanted to shove me out of their door for questioning their lack of knowledge. By chance, I stumbled upon Janice Papalos book and it changed my life and more importantly, my child's life. I cannot recommend this any better than to say, if you suspect your child suffers from bipolar disorder, please run, don't walk to the nearest bookstore or get out your credit card here and now and make this purchase. It will save you and your child in more ways than I can express.

[Leigh Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 3rd edition of the seminal work about children and bipolar disorder. The only reason it stars so low is because it is already 9 years old, and should serve only as the starting point to your research, not the final word. Hopefully they'll print a new edition at some point.

But, basically, what you get here is the beginning of everything you ever wanted to know about bipolar disorder in children. The Affordable Care Act has made chapter 13 completely obsolete, but apart from that, this is darned useful and comprehensive, from symptoms, getting a correct diagnosis, meds, working with schools to create an IEP/504 plan, and, if necessary, how to handle hospitalization. The focus is younger children rather than teens, though there is one short chapter on adolescence for kids with bipolar.

As with any consumer health book, cross-check the info with your doctor and ask lots of questions!! You will also want to supplement with a Medline search, or the consumer health databases at your local library, if any (call and ask).

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book to read if you have a child suffering from Bipolar disorder and you have felt completely isolated. If you've had a child who has been suspected of having ADHD but the meds never seem to work properly and the child gets worse, this is also a read for you. Early onset bipolar disorder (in childhood) has only just begun to be recognized and is just not the same as in adulthood; countless families have been torn apart over this heartbreaking illness. Correct information and early diagnosis are key. Where it touches on education, the book addresses issues within the American educational system, but the advice is still invaluable.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an amazing book. The symptoms of bipolar present very differently in children than they do in adults. Also, many psychiatrists do not believe bipolar can manifest itself in childhood. However, early onset bipolar is real and should be taken seriously. The sooner you can treat bipolar, the better. Bipolar is highly hereditary and I would recommend this book to any parent with bipolar disorder or other mental illness in their family. Like I said, children with early onset bipolar do not present with the same symptoms as adults with bipolar so it is important to be informed and educated.

[Carolynn (Molly.Groot) Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written, if a bit long winded. On the other hand, however, if you have a child who is bipolar- every teeny scrap of knowledge will be useful. There are very detailed assessments, questionnaires to apply to your child, information on help from drug therapy to counseling to in-patient care to how to handle the public school system. I read it to be more knowledgeable about a child I am caring for, and have found it to be an invaluable resource.

[Kimberly Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I reviewed the first edition of this book, it was one of the first books available for parents of kids with bipolar. Of this work I wrote, “This is an absolutely fantastic book for those who have a child with early onset bipolar disorder, who suspect it in their child, or who work with bipolar children. It is a toolbox weighted with resources for these families.”
http://bipolar.about.com/od/childrens...

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative book on a very scary subject. Full of good advice for parents facing this kind of problem. Made me fill a little relieved about my situation. I don't think I've got to worry about this yet. Anyway, I think that this would be a very valuable source book for parents, teachers, therapists, etc.

[Fabulous · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was poignant and informative. It includes clinical and "real life" (from parents) information about children who are bipolar. It really helped me understand more about the disease and how it affects children.

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for learning some of the medical lingo... It was very informing as well. Some things listed I already knew, some I didn't. I'm sure there are newer books out there now that pediatric bipolar has been around longer. But this was still a good book and explained things well.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently one of the seminal books on this disorder in children, though it's aimed primarily toward parents so wasn't always applicable. Generally a good resource with up-to-date research & some ideas for intervention.

[Sally Boots · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, so I skipped big chunks of this, like the descriptions of various medications. The book was sort of informative, except that I think the thinking about childhood bipolar is changing, so it's already a little obsolete.

[Laura]

One of the best books about Bipolar disorder in children. I was given it by the mother of a former student when he was in my class - Who would have thought that I'd really need the information later, as a mom?

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heavy in actual information based on current research. This could be a bible for parents that have children dealing with this debilitating disorder. Also, many real life examples and tools to help your child in a real world setting. Covers all the bases.

[TK Keanini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably the one book everyone reads when they start to look in to this illness. Nice foundational information.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

good info