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

by Evans, Dwight L.; Andrews, Linda Wasmer

• ISBN13: 9780195182101
• ISBN10: 0195182103
• Format: Paperback
• 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, M.D. is 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. He was chair of the Adolescent Mental Health Initiative's formal Commission on Depression and Bipolar Disorder, a blue ribbon panel of leading authorities convened in 2003 to assess the current research on these disorders. Dr. Evans has received numerous awards including The Beck Award for excellence in suicidology and the Mood Disorders Research Award. Linda Wasmer Andrews is a freelance science writer based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is the author of nine books, including Emotional Intelligence (for young readers), and a regular contributor to Self magazine.

Table of Contents

Foreword	vii
One Introduction: More Than Ordinary Moodiness	1	(6)
Two Understanding the Disorders: What They Are, What to Expect	7	(53)
Depression: Characteristics, Causes, and Risk Factors; Other Conditions; Outlook for the Future	9	(24)
Bipolar Disorder: Characteristics, Causes, and Risk Factors; Other Conditions; Outlook for the Future	33	(20)
The Dangers of Doing Nothing	53	(4)
The Meaning of Mental Illness	57	(3)
Three Getting the Best Treatment for Your Teen: Medications, Therapy, and More	60	(55)
Your Role in the Treatment Process	61	(2)
Treatment of Depression	63	(24)
Treatment of Bipolar Disorder	87	(11)
Handling a Suicidal Crisis	98	(1)
Finding a Mental Health Professional	98	(2)
Making Choices About Hospitalization	100	(2)
Finding Other Mental Health Services	102	(4)
Navigating the Mental Health System	106	(9)
Four Living Daily Life: Helping Your Teen at Home and School	115	(33)
Communicating With Your Teen	117	(5)
Managing Your Home Life	122	(4)
Parenting With a Partner	126	(1)
Dealing With Sibling Issues	127	(2)
Taking Care of Yourself	129	(4)
Helping to Prevent a Recurrence of Your Teen's Illness	133	(1)
Working With the School	134	(11)
Finding Support From Other Parents	145	(3)
Five Reducing Risk: Protection and Prevention	148	(19)
Developing Optimism and Resilience	150	(8)
Reducing Family Risk Factors	158	(2)
Preventing Suicide	160	(4)
Looking at the Big Picture: Prevention at the Societal Level	164	(3)
Six Conclusion: Take Action, Take Heart	167	(4)
Glossary	171	(10)
Resources	181	(8)
Organizations	181	(3)
Books	184	(1)
Websites	185	(1)
Resources for Adolescents	186	(1)
Resources for Related Problems	186	(3)
Bibliography	189	(2)
Index	191