BOOKS

A special thank you to Martha H. for putting together the following list with comments.

BOOKS FOR PARENTS

Dubuque, Susan E., "A Parent's Survival Guide to Childhood Depression," The Center for Applied Psychology, Inc., 1996.  Excellent handbook to parenting a depressed child, with a bit of information about bipolar illness.

Freed, Jeffrey and Laurie Parsons, "Right-Brained Children in a Left-Brained World," Simon & Shuster, New York, 1997.  Fascinating book, argues that traditional schools neglect the gifts of the right-brained child, who tends to be creative & visual as are many bipolar and ADD kids.  Contains many suggestions for accommodations in schools.  (Caveat: Claims that bipolar disorder is often 'ADHD misdiagnosed' and suggests that parents who allow their child to be treated with psychiatric medications are only trying to make their kids conform!  Ignore this ignorance­the rest of the book is great).

Greene, Ross W., Ph.D., "The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children," 1998, Harper Collins Publishers, $24.00. Excellent, highly recommended for parents of children (regardless of diagnosis) who do not adapt well to transitions, have a low frustration tolerance, think in "black & white," and whose life is a "never-ending string of conflicts and disasters." Includes chapters on "User-Friendly Schools", "Brain Chemistry", and "Family Matters", as well as choosing your battles.

Gottman, John & Joan DeClaire, "The Heart of Parenting: Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child."  Simon & Shuster, New York, l997.  A guide to fostering what Daniel Goleman calls "emotional intelligence" (see book by same title, below).  Cautions against "disapproving," "dismissing" and "lassaiz-faire" parenting stlyes, and encourages parents to become "emotion coaches" to help kids recognize and manage their emotions--essential work for parents of bipolar kids.

Hallowell, Dr. Edward, "When You Worry about the Child you Love: Emotional and Learning Problems in Children," l996, Simon & Shuster, New York.  Excellent book for parents wondering if their kids' moods & behaviors are normal or might be symptomatic of bipolar disorder, ADHD, Tourette's syndrome, depression, or other brain disorders.  Lifts blame from parents and offers advice on diagonosis and treatment options.

Kabat-Zinn, John and Myla, "Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting,"  Hyperion, New York, l997.  A Zen approach to parenting: being present in the moment, letting of of anger, and how mindfulness can bring healing and transformation to the parent-child relationship.  Highly recommended by this mother of a bipolar child.

Koplewicz, Harold S., "It's Nobody's Fault," Times Books (Random House), l996.  Has chapter on bipolar disorder in kids & parenting advice.  Caution: contains some misinformation (says that "rapid cycling is rare"--some studies have found nearly all prepubertal children w/bipolar disorder to be rapid cyclers).

Levine, Dr. Mel, "All Kinds of Minds," Educators Publishing Service, Inc., Cambridge, Mass, l993.  A book for kids about the different "learning abilities and learning disorders," including problems with social skills and depression.  Also available on cassette tape.

Levine, Dr. Mel, "Educational Care: A System for Understanding and Helping Children with Learning Problems at Home and in School," Educators Publishing Service, Inc., Cambridge, Mass. l994.  Excellent book on the nature of learning, reading, writing, etc. difficulties in children, broken down into individual components, and specific things parents and teachers can do to help. Includes material on managing depression, social difficulties, loss of motivation, etc., issues faced by kids with bipolar disorder.

Lynn, George, "Survival Strategies for Parenting your ADD Child: Dealing with Obsessions, Compulsions, Depression, Explosive Behavior and Rage," Underwood Books, l996.  Essential reading.  Describes how kids with mood disorders experience the world and how to help them; specifically addresses symptoms & needs of bipolar kids throughout the book (although not in the title).  Great chapter on schools & IEP's; author will answer questions on e-mail at 73773.1454@compuserve.com.  Author's child has Tourette's Syndrome.

Carlson, Trudy, "The Suicide of My Son - A Story of Childhood Depression," Benline Press, 1997.  The author's son, Ben, had bipolar disorder and ADHD.  His symptoms began in early childhood.  He committed suicide at age 14 after a successful trial of lithium was stopped to see if he still needed it (Prozac was continued).  An excellent discussion of diagnosis and treatment options in light of medical knowledge since Ben's death nine years ago.  Order at: (800) 296-7163.

Steel, Danielle, "His Bright Light," 1998, Delacourte Press.  Tells the heartbreaking story of her son Nick's life with bipolar disorder (mostly undiagnosed) and suicide at age 20.  A transcript of the Barbara Walters interview (9/11/98) on ABC News' 20/20 with Danielle Steel about her book is available at: www.abcnews.com/onair/2020

Winner, Ellen,"Gifted Children - Myths and Realities," 1996, Basic Books.  Bipolar kids often show gifts and talents in various domains (especially art, music and writing). Author describes how parents can encourage a gifted child to enhance strengths and build self-esteem.

Wysocki, Tim, "The Ten Keys to Helping Your Child Grow up with Diabetes," American Diabetes Association, 1997. Substitute 'bipolar disorder' for 'diabetes' throughout this excellent handbook and learn from the experience of parents of diabetic kids how to manage a lifelong chronic illness that often begins in childhood.

BOOKS FOR KIDS:

Dubuque, Nicholas and Susan E., "Kid Power Tactics for Dealing with Depression," The Center for Applied Psychology, Inc., King of Prussia, PA (1-800-962-1141) 10.95 (1996). The best book we've seen written for "the six million kids who are dealing with depression"--and the author is 11 years old! Clear, easy to read, suggestions for taking meds, getting better sleep, making friends, etc.

AUDIOTAPES FOR KIDS:

"Magic Island: Relaxation for Kids" (25 min.) and "Imagine Yourself to Sleep" (two tapes with 4 35-min. guided visualizations). For helping children wind down and drift off peacefully. Our daughter can't stay awake until one of these ends (neither can we). Delightful, soothing, and worth every penny. Order from Courage to Change catalog: l-800-440-4003.

GENERAL BOOKS:

"A Guide to Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System: A Systems Guide for Families and Consumers," published by NAMI. Cost $5.00. (for families whose kids may be involved with the criminal justice system).

"Adults with Psychiatric Disabilities on Campus," published by the HEATH Resource Center (national clearinghouse for post-secondary education for individuals with disabilities) in Washington, D.C. (202)-939-9320  (e-mail: heath@ace.nche.edu)

"Survival Guide for College Students With ADD or LD" from Magination Press, 19 Union Square West, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10003. (800) 825-3089.  $9.95.  Not reviewed, but from title looks useful for college-age bipolar kids too.

Copeland, Mary Ellen, "Living Without Depression & Manic-Depression: A Workbook for Maintaining Mood Stability," New Harbinger Publications, Inc., l994.  Excellent, practical resource for adults that may be useful in educating kids about their own symptoms and the components of a wellness lifestyle.

Davidson, Howard: "Just Ask: A handbook for instructors of students being treated for mental disorders,"  (1993). (Temeron Books, Inc. (360) 738-4016)($12.95). Developed by teachers of adult literacy students with bipolar, schizophrenia, anxiety, brain injury, and other brain disorders at Highwood School (a hospital-based adult day school) in Edmonton, Alberta.  The methods described are adaptable to children.  It has a section on dealing with symptoms such as drowsiness from meds, or other concerns that may arise at school.  It is written for teachers, is easy to read with a nice layout, and would be suitable for lending to the teacher or including relevant pages in a packet for the teacher at the beginning of each year.

Cutler, Barbara Coyne, "You, Your Child. and "Special" Education--A Guide to Making the System Work,"  $22, Paul H. Brooks Publishing Co, Inc. Baltimore.  How to advocate for your child's needs in the public school district.

Dornbush, Marilyn and Sheryl Pruitt, "Teaching the Tiger: A Handbook for Individuals Involved in the Education of Students with Attention Deficit Disorders, Tourette Syndrome or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder," Hope Press, 1995 ($35.00).  Useful book for parents facing IEP process in public schools.  Gives specific examples of goals and objectives for the IEP on each area of educational need.
 
Fieve, Dr. Ronald R., "Moodswing,"  Second revised edition (l997).  This updated edition of the book about manic-depression, first published in l975, contains much new information and talks at length about the positive side of bipolar disorder.

Gibbons, Kaye, "Sights Unseen," novel about her manic-depressive mother.  The notable thing in this fictional family was the presence of a patient, cheerful, loyal housekeeper who could "handle" the mother when ill, thus relieving much of the family's stress.  Lesson: if you can afford to, hire Mary Poppins.

Goleman, Daniel, "Emotional Intelligence: Why it can Matter More than IQ," Bantam, l995.  Excellent, highly recommended for parents of bipolar kids.  Explains how the limbic system can "hijack" the emotions before one's cognitive brain can take over; views childhood as a "window of opportunity" in which parents can actually change the neural architecture of the developing brain by teaching kids "emotional literacy."

Goodwin, Frederick K., MD & Jamison, Kay Redfield, Ph.D., "Manic Depressive Illness."  The essential, classic medical textbook (revised edition due soon, hopefully with more info. on kids). Oxford Univ. Press, l990. 937 pages.

Heiss, Gayle: "Finding the Way Home -- A Compassionate Approach to Illness," (QED Press, l997) A beautifully written, insightful account of how someone with a chronic condition can make peace with that condition, and also offers many suggestions for those caring for or living with such a person.  Helpful in understanding issues that our kids with bipolar disorder will undoubtedly face, and in learning ways we can be more compassionate with them.

Jamison, Kay Redfield, "Touched With Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament," The Free Press, l990.  Fascinating account of the lives of many writers & artists with this illness.  Our kids are in distinguished company!

Kaufman, Lloyd, Hallahan and Astuto, "Educational Placement: Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders," (1995).  Discussion of the interplay between appropriate education and restrictive environment, with the former taking precedence if the two goals conflict.

Kutcher, Dr. Stanley, "Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology."  l997.  Available from publisher at l-800-545-2522.  Geared towards professionals.  Excellent, readable summary of current state of knowledge of the use of psychiatric drugs in children.

Rosenthal, Dr. Norman E., "Winter Blues: Seasonal Affective Disorder--What it is and how to overcome it," The Guilford Press, l993.  Good information on the seasonal component of mood disorders, with some information about kids.

Papolos, Dr. Demitri and Janice Papolos, "Overcoming Depression," Third Edition (1997), Harper Collins.  Excellent, informative, wide-ranging discussion of mood disorders and their treatment with some information about children.  Authors are writing a book about childhood-onset bipolar disorder.

Raskin, Valerie Davis, "When Words are Not Enough: The Women's Prescription for Depression and Anxiety." Broadway Books, New York, 1997, $16.00. The best available discussion of how hormonal cycles influence mood in girls and women. Addresses the special concerns of females with bipolar disorder during puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause.

Secunda, Victoria, "When Madness Comes Home: Help and Hope for the Children, Siblings, and Partners of the Mentally Ill," Hyperion Books, 1997.  An insightful look at how different family members are affected by mental illness in a parent, a sibling, or a spouse.  Unfortunately, says little about the effect on parents of mental illness in a child, and then mostly addresses only the issues faced by parents of adult children.

Torrey, E. Fuller, M.D., "Out of the Shadows: Confronting America's Mental Illness Crisis," John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1997. An excellent, sobering report on the policies that led to the closing of hospitals with the advent of psychiatric medications in the 60s and 70s, and subsequent discharge of psychiatrically-ill patients into communities unprepared to care for them. As Torrey writes, "the mentally ill in America have every right except for the right to get well." Author is prominent expert at National Institute of Mental Health and head of the Stanley Foundation and outspoken advocate of increased funding for research and outpatient commitment laws to ensure that those who need medications to function will get them.

Torrey, E. Fuller, M.D., "Schizophrenia and Manic-Depressive Disorder: The Biological Roots of Mental Illness as Revealed by the Landmark Study of Identical Twins," HarperCollins, 1994. Fascinating report of the major twin study done at the NIMH of 66 pairs of adult twins (40 in which one or both had schizophrenia, 8 in which one or both had bipolar disorder, and 8 in which one or both had schizoaffective disorder). Surprisingly, the study found that those twins who had childhood manifestations of schizophrenia often did better (responded better to anti-psychotic medication, spent less time hospitalized, and functioned better) than the affected twins with adult onset. Torrey has suggested (in private conversation) that he expects the same would be true for childhood-onset bipolar disorder.

Turnbull, H. Rutherford and Ann P., "Free Appropriate Public Education: The Law and Children with Disabilities," 5th ed.  Love Publishing, 1998, Denver.  Essential book that takes you through the IEP process with advice on how to determine and get what your child needs at school.  (Order at 303-757-2579)

Whybrow, Dr. Peter, "A Mood Apart," Harper Collins, l997.  A new, excellent, discussion of mood disorders and their effects on emotions, sleep, hunger, thinking, and the development of a sense of self.  Author is prominent expert on bipolar disorder and depression and Director of the Neuropsychiatric Institute at UCLA.

BOOKS ON THERAPY:

Basco, Monica and A.John Rush, "Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Bipolar Disorder," the Guilford Press, New York/London, l996.  Written for professional therapists, but useful for understanding how bipolar patients can be helped by identifying and changing negative thinking patterns. Includes many examples from actual cases.  Parents can adapt methods into their parenting style.

Bauer, Mark & Linda McBride, "Structured Group Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder: The Life Goals Program," Springer Publishing Co., l996. For professional therapists, but may be useful for parents.

Miklowitz, David J. and Michael J. Goldstein, "Bipolar Disorder: A Family-Focused Treatment Approach," Guilford Publications, Inc., NY, l997.  A nine-month outpatient program designed to help adult patients and families understand, accept, and manage the effects of bipolar disorder. Families learn: 1) how to deal with their feelings that their loved one has a serious mental illness, 2) the nature of bipolar disorder, 3) problem solving techniques for difficult situations, 4) how to deal with manic relaspes, 5) how to deal with depressive relaspes, 6)what to do when you suspect your bp family member of substance abuse, and 7) the suicidal crisisÑto name a few. An excellent read.

VIDEOTAPES:

"Dark Glasses and Kaleidoscopes" video tape about bipolar disorder available free at Blockbusters. Very good for adolescents and young adults.

Phil Donahue Show-- "Parents Who Drug their Kids," l995-- featuring some parents of ADD kids on ritalin, and Dr. Andrea Eberle of Tennessee and her daughter, Monica (l4), who has bipolar disorder.

ARTICLES FROM POPULAR MEDIA:

"I couldn't help my daughter" by Swannee Hunt, U.S. Ambassador to Austria, in November l996 Good Housekeeping, about her l5-yr old daughter Lillian (diagnosed bipolar at age 9, parents declined meds for three years & tried psychotherapy; daughter attempted suicide & hospitalized several times; now on meds & doing well).