If Your Adolescent Has Depression or Bipolar Disorder An Essential Resource for Parents

by Evans, Dwight L.; Andrews, Linda Wasmer

• ISBN13: 9780195182095
• ISBN10: 019518209X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-08-11
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

While coping with teenage moodiness can be difficult under any circumstances, it can be especially challenging if a teenager has a serious mood disorder. This concise, readable book is the definitive guide to understanding and getting effective help for adolescents with depression or bipolardisorder, designed for parents and other adults in contact with afflicted teens. It combines the most current scientific expertise available today--including the newest treatments and medications and the latest research findings on mood disorders--with no-nonsense, hands-on advice from parents whohave faced these disorders in their own children. Among other topics, the book addresses the biochemical roots of adolescent mood disorders, the ongoing debate over psychiatric medications for young people, and practical strategies for helping a teen cope at home and at school. It concludes on a hopeful note, by reviewing the latest scientificevidence on methods of stopping mood disorders before they start or minimizing the risk of recurrence. A growing body of research now shows that early diagnosis and treatment of depression and bipolar disorder may reduce the severity of these diseases, both now and in the future. Including red flagsto look out for and warnings on the dangers of doing nothing, this book will provide the information and tools parents need to help adolescents achieve the best possible outcome. On the Adolescent Mental Health Initiative series: The Adolescent Mental Health Initiative series addresses some of the major mental health issues facing teenagers today--eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, and schizophrenia. Of the dozen or so books planned for the series, the first four, including the two presented here, focus on howparents and other adults, including teachers, coaches, guidance counselors, and even pediatricians, can help afflicted teens overcome the disrupting and often devastating challenges of these disorders. Each book is an authoritative guide that offers essential information such as how to go aboutgetting a diagnosis, what the latest treatment options and prevention strategies are, how to help teens cope with mental illness at home and at school and, perhaps most importantly, what the warning signs and red flags are that parents and other adults should look out for in teenagers who may be atrisk for these diseases. Combining the expertise of leading psychiatrists and psychologists with the experience of everyday people who have faced these disorders in their own children, the books are designed to help adults deal effectively with adolescent mental illness and to empower them to actimmediately and wisely in getting teens the best available treatment possible.

Author Biography

Dwight L. Evans is the Ruth Meltzer Professor and Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Professor of Psychiatry, Medicine and Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. vii
Introduction: More Than Ordinary Moodiness	p. 1
Understanding the Disorders: What They Are, What to Expect	p. 7
Depression: Characteristics, Causes, and Risk Factors; Other Conditions; Outlook for the Future	p. 9
Bipolar Disorder: Characteristics, Causes, and Risk Factors; Other Conditions; Outlook for the Future	p. 33
The Dangers of Doing Nothing	p. 53
The Meaning of Mental Illness	p. 57
Getting the Best Treatment for Your Teen: Medications, Therapy, and More	p. 60
Your Role in the Treatment Process	p. 61
Treatment of Depression	p. 63
Treatment of Bipolar Disorder	p. 87
Handling a Suicidal Crisis	p. 98
Finding a Mental Health Professional	p. 98
Making Choices About Hospitalization	p. 100
Finding Other Mental Health Services	p. 102
Navigating the Mental Health System	p. 106
Living Daily Life: Helping Your Teen at Home and School	p. 115
Communicating With Your Teen	p. 117
Managing Your Home Life	p. 122
Parenting With a Partner	p. 126
Dealing With Sibling Issues	p. 127
Taking Care of Yourself	p. 129
Helping to Prevent a Recurrence of Your Teen's Illness	p. 133
Working With the School	p. 134
Finding Support From Other Parents	p. 145
Reducing Risk: Protection and Prevention	p. 148
Developing Optimism and Resilience	p. 150
Reducing Family Risk Factors	p. 158
Preventing Suicide	p. 160
Looking at the Big Picture: Prevention at the Societal Level	p. 164
Conclusion: Take Action, Take Heart	p. 167
Glossary	p. 171
Resources	p. 181
Organizations	p. 181
Books	p. 184
Websites	p. 185
Resources for Adolescents	p. 186
Resources for Related Problems	p. 186
Bibliography	p. 189
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.