This book provides an evidence-based framework to address the unique challenges faced by children and adolescents with bipolar spectrum disorders. Content is targeted towards psychologists, psychiatrists, and allied professionals. Chapters focus on differential diagnoses, co-morbid disorders, evaluation techniques, and intervention strategies grounded in current research. Case histories are provided to illustrate the complex issues of this specialized population. Multiple resources and links are included for professionals to utilize within their clinical practice.

Bipolar disorders were once considered rare in children and adolescents. A growing body of scientific evidence now suggests that they may be more prevalent in this group than previously believed. At the same time, the practitioner faces significant clinical challenges in both the assessment processes and also the implementation of a treatment plan. A paucity of treatment manuals and pharmacological algorithms providing practical guidance makes the task of the clinician even more difficult, despite the fact that more is known about the assessment, neurobiology and treatment of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder than ever before. Written by three distinguished experts, this book conveys to clinicians all the information currently available in this area. They review both the neuroscience and also the integration of rational, practical, pharmacological and psychosocial interventions. Based on what is known, a sound approach to the assessment of these youngsters can be developed. Similarly, available evidence allows practitioners to ground their treatment protocols solidly on scientific knowledge. Concise and authoritative, Pediatric Bipolar Disorders will give the reader a practical approach to both the art and science of providing the best possible clinical care to children and adolescents with the disorder. This book is written primarily for clinical psychiatrists, but will also be of interest to non-specialist doctors and other members of the health care team.

Bipolar spectrum disorders are characterized by severe mood dysregulation, rage, irritability, and depression, along with low self-esteem and interpersonal struggles. Children with bipolar symptoms also tend to have poor academic performance and disruptive school behavior, and their families often experience strained relationships and increased conflict. RAINBOW: A Child- and Family-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Pediatric Bipolar Disorder presents a 12-session family-based treatment intervention for children aged 7-13 with bipolar spectrum disorders. The CFF-CBT/RAINBOW program comprises four innovative aspects in that it: (1) is designed to be developmentally specific to children in this age group; (2) is driven by the distinct needs of these children and their families; (3) involves intensive work with parents parallel to the work with children in order to directly address parents' own therapeutic needs, as well as helping them develop an effective parenting style for their child; and (4) integrates psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and interpersonal therapy techniques, tailored to the unique needs of these children, to augment the effects of pharmacotherapy. This Clinician Manual includes a conceptual overview for each session as well as step-by-step instructions for clinicians with all accompanying handouts, worksheets, and in-session games/activities. It provides clinicians with a comprehensive set of tools and a structured approach to guiding children and families. RAINBOW has been shown to significantly reduce mood symptoms and improve overall functioning for children with bipolar spectrum disorders.

Bipolar disorders affect up to 3% of the world's population and are the 6th leading cause of disability worldwide. The estimated annual costs of bipolar disorder approach $50 billion in the United States, and the associated societal and personal suffering is immeasurable. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness that typically begins in mid-adolescence, thereby disrupting healthy developmental processes. It is also a progressive illness, making early intervention even more critical. As the disorder presents differently in youth as it does in adults, considerable controversy exists around the diagnosis in young people. The neurobiological factors leading to the onset of bipolar disorder reflect abnormalities in adolescent brain development. Bipolar disorder is strongly heritable and therefore, these developmental abnormalities likely represent the culmination of processes that precede the expression of symptoms. Current studies of children who are at risk for bipolar disorder are identifying these processes. Again, controversy exists about how to move these neuroscience gains forward to help affected individuals and, particularly to manage children at risk to delay or prevent the onset or progression of bipolar disorder. With these considerations in mind, Bipolar Disorder in Youth provides a timely, focused review of the diagnosis, treatment, and neurobiology of bipolar disorder in youth. It addresses current controversies and resolves those in which evidence is available. The book is organized into three sections based on these topics to provide comprehensive discussions to aid clinicians managing these individuals in their practices, as well as scientists trying to advance the field. The three editors are widely recognized experts in bipolar disorder, and the authors of each chapter represent international experts in the respective topics. Consequently, this book is the most comprehensive volume available discussing this important population and is a 'must' for the libraries of clinicians and scientists working with bipolar children and adolescents.

RAINBOW: A Child- and Family-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Pediatric Bipolar Disorder presents a 12-session family-based treatment intervention for children aged 7-13 with bipolar spectrum disorders.

This volume provides a state-of-the-science review of knowledge on bipolar disorder in children, covering all aspects of theory and research. Leading clinical researchers address such topics as epidemiology, diagnosis and assessment, comorbidity, and outcomes. Compelling findings are presented on the neurobiological and genetic bases of the disorder. Throughout, contributors identify promising directions for further investigation while weighing in on key methodological questions and areas of controversy.

Clinical Manual for Management of Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents was written in response to the growing body of knowledge surrounding pediatric bipolar illness and the underlying biological, environmental, and psychosocial influences that exacerbate symptoms and behavior. Written to provide clinically useful information about diagnosis and management, this manual is a comprehensive collection of empirical evidence, case studies, and the growing number of evidence-based reports on pediatric bipolar disorder over the past five years. This manual also contains several chapters provided by Dr. Mary Fristad and her team at The Ohio State University -- experts in family and psychosocial aspects of pediatric bipolar disorder. Her contributions, along with vast clinical evidence and the expertise provided by Drs. Kowatch, Findling, and Post, help paint an accurate picture of everything from age onset to the effectiveness of various therapies. In this manual, clinicians can refer to the following tools: A clinical description of childhood and adolescent bipolar disorder Management strategies for the patient including daily mood charting Current medication strategies and tactics Ways to help patients through the educational system Resources for clinicians, parents and patients A review of the future directions for childhood and adolescent bipolar disorder The many new developments in the field of pediatric bipolar disorder are affirming what this manual emphasizes -- that a combination of family and cognitive-behavior therapy can work in tandem with medical treatments to help young bipolar disorder patients achieve a more balanced life and a greater chance of controlling this illness later in life. The manual demonstrates how the medical community has shifted from asking, "Does bipolar disorder really exist in children and adolescents" to "How can we best predict, diagnose and treat this serious medical disorder" through a review of 25 years of study and insight.