I cannot begin to describe the chaos that occurs when a parent is first given the diagnosis of bipolar in his or her child. Many thoughts come to mind. The words: crazy, nuthouse, homeless, mental institution, and alone; are some of the words that enter the thought process. A red haze of panic swells and threatens to consume the common sense that exists until the calm voice of the doctor reminds the parent that all is not lost. Modern medicine has moved along with technology and the diagnosis of bipolar is not so uncommon. In one sense it is transforming itself into another form of ADHD and is often diagnosed hand in hand with ADD or ADHD. Rather than melting into the ground in a pile of hot rage, the parent is given information that is life changing and the world starts to look better. This book is one such tool. It is a manual that has allowed more than one parent an opportunity to really understand the on goings of the mind of his or her bipolar child. The author takes the reader from birth to young adulthood, which really helps the parent understand what may lie ahead for him or her in the future. The book covers basic information such as symptoms, rages, meltdowns, medications, ADD, ADHD, etc. Common concerns about jobs, social issues, and employment are discussed.

This book has been a life saver for myself and my husband. My daughter of 8 years was just diagnosed bipolar co-morbid ADHD several weeks ago and this book has really helped explain many issues she is having. Someone might as well take her picture and place it in this book. In a way it is comforting since we have an idea of what to expect. I no longer fear the future. I understand that we are going to have some major bumps ahead of us, but I think she will be fine. This book has allowed us to understand the different types of treatment and what types of treatment are available. I am happy to say that her current medication is working great and she is doing very well. I am hoping that many other parents with children on the spectrum of autism, ADHD, bipolar, etc. will take a look at this book. It has been very useful and I am so happy to have stumbled upon it! ( )

One of the strengths of this book for me was the sections on child development and how bipolar disorder was manifest in each phase. This book takes a more therapeutic look at bipolar disorder and how it is interrelated with relationships. It was interesting to see how the bipolar can disrupt normal interaction, and also how abnormal interaction (such as in abuse) can aggravate development in someone who suffers from bipolar disorder. There are sections on medication as well as weight loss (I guess because many of the medications can have an impact on weight) in the appendices. ( )