Synopses & Reviews
Bipolar disorder is difficult at any age, but it can be particularly daunting for teenagers and their families. David Miklowitz, author of the bestselling Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide, provides invaluable information parents can use to help teens cope--and thrive. His adolescent bipolar treatment program has been tested and refined for a decade. Now for the first time, this book makes it available directly to parents. The Bipolar Teen helps parents distinguish between the typical ups and downs of teen life and the symptoms of mania or depression. With coauthor Elizabeth George, Dr. Miklowitz shows parents how to recognize the early warning signs of an episode so they can intervene before it's too late. They show how to strike a healthy balance of medications and psychotherapy, and offer practical tips for getting the most from doctors and from school programs. Crucially, they also demonstrate practical strategies for managing the chaos at home so every family member--including siblings without the illness--can find the stability and support they need. A dozen helpful reproducibles are included.
Review
"Parents grappling with questions about adolescent bipolar disorder will find all the key facts in this book: how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mania and depression, the best available treatments, and strategies for protecting family life. Written by leading authorities in the field, the book provides information in a clear, supportive style. I would recommend this book highly to any family that is struggling to come to terms with this difficult disorder."--Sheri L. Johnson, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Miami
"Miklowitz and George have prepared a book of exceptional sophistication, wisdom, and clinical sensitivity; one that will be useful to parents and clinicians alike. The book draws on the most current research about the assessment and treatment of bipolar disorder in adolescents, includes copies of ready-to-use scales and materials, and illustrates how these ideas and tools are woven into interventions that are both evidence based and supportive of the unique needs of each family. The discussion of how parents can work with schools to promote academic and social success is particularly valuable. We will be using this book with families in our training clinic, and I will recommend it enthusiastically to colleagues."--Eric Youngstrom, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
"Kudos to Drs. Miklowitz and George! This accessible and well-crafted guide distills 20 years of research experience to provide proven management tools to parents who face the daunting task of navigating the world of the bipolar teen."--Demitri Papolos, MD, coauthor of The Bipolar Child
"My family has walked in these shoes, and has emerged on the other side of adolescence. My child is now a happy, successful, self-sufficient young adult, thanks to the treatment approach on which this book is based. As both a parent and a professional, I will do anything I can to get this book into the hands of other families who are struggling with this illness. This is the first book on adolescent bipolar disorder that offers hope."--Kathy McBride, MS, Family Resource Specialist, Boulder Valley (Colorado) School District
"This book is filled with tips on handling--and yes, surviving--the 'perfect storm' that is adolescence with a bipolar teen. The authors have seen and heard it all! They share compassionate guidance on how parents can stay calm, keep everyone safe, and steer through the storm."--Martha Hellander, JD, Cofounder, Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
"A treasure chest of comprehensive information, real-life stories, and practical suggestions for parenting your challenging teen supportively and effectively. This book is a wonderful resource that will improve everyday life for the whole family."--V.M., parent of a 15-year-old bipolar child
Review
"Miklowitz draws on his extensive clinical and research background to create a thoughtful book written for the parent struggling with the journey of bipolar disorder....Filled with information...an engaging and informative tool. The authors consolidate information from many sources into an easy-to-understand narrative that introduces necessary medical jargon in a palatable way....An excellent resource for any caretaker of a child or adolescent facing bipolar disorder."--Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Review
"This is the only book on adolescent bipolar disorder that truly offers realistic expectations, meaningful treatment options, and clearly provides families with invaluable knowledge on their child's illness. One of the best of the year!...5 stars!"--Doody's Review Service
Synopsis
Bipolar disorder is difficult at any age, but it can be particularly daunting for teenagers and their families. Miklowitz, author of the bestselling "Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide," and George provide valuable information parents can use to help teens cope--and thrive.
Synopsis
If your teen has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder--or your child’s moods seem out of control--Dr. David Miklowitz can help. The bestselling author of
The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide has tailored his proven treatment approach to meet the specific needs of teens and their families.
The Bipolar Teen provides practical tools you can use to make home life manageable again. You’ll learn to spot the differences between normal teenage behavior and the telltale symptoms of mania and depression. Together with your child’s doctors, you’ll be able to strike a healthy balance between medication and psychotherapy, recognize and respond to the early warning signs of an oncoming episode, and collaborate effectively with school personnel. Like no other resource available, this powerful book delivers ways to manage chaos and relieve stress so everyone in your family--including siblings--can find stability, support, and peace of mind.
About the Author
David J. Miklowitz, PhD, an award-winning researcher, is Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), School of Medicine, and Senior Clinical Researcher at Oxford University. He also directs the Child and Adolescent Mood Disorders Program at the UCLA Semel Institute. The author or editor of influential books for professionals on understanding and treating bipolar disorder, as well as the bestselling
Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide, Dr. Miklowitz lives in Los Angeles.
Elizabeth L. George, PhD, is coinvestigator with Dr. Miklowitz on the Colorado Family Project and a psychologist with a private practice based in Boulder.
Table of Contents
Preface
I. Understanding Bipolar Disorder in Teens
1. "What's Happening to My Teenager?"
2. A Close Look at the Symptoms
3. Getting an Accurate Diagnosis
4. Living with Bipolar Disorder: What Your Family Can Expect
II. Treating Adolescent Bipolar Disorder
5. "How Did My Teenager Get This Illness?"
6. Medications for Bipolar Disorder in Teens
7. How Psychotherapy Can Help Your Teenager and Your Family
8. Helping Your Teen Accept Ongoing Medication Treatment
III. Helping Your Teen Stay Well
9. Family Management and Coping
10. Tools and Tactics for Preventing Mood Episodes
11. What to Do When Mania Begins
12. How to Handle Depression
13. Dealing with Suicidal Thinking and Behavior
14. Tackling the School Environment
Resources