Some of the most desperate and overwhelmed letters we receive at NAFDI are from parents of children with bipolar disorder (a.k.a. manic depression). Unfortunately, there has been little information available to assist in dealing with a child in the maelstrom of moods.

Now, through their extensive involvement with an online support group for the parents of bipolar children, and their thorough knowledge of current research and clinical practices, the Papoloses have ‘written the book': This is indeed a "definitive and reassuring guide".

We repeat here their most reiterated, emphasized advice: When a child appears to suffer from Attention-Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (ADHD), or appears to have unipolar depression, no medication should be given until bipolar disorder is ruled out.  If the child is in fact bipolar, the antidepressants or stimulants used to treat those other disorders may greatly worsen the child's condition, bringing on "rapid cycling", a swift shifting of moods. It appears that a substantial number of bipolar children are initially misdiagnosed and mis-medicated, causing severe damage. A thorough review of the child's symptoms and of relatives' medical histories should be made.

Part I, "Diagnosis and Treatment", is clearly presented and often illustrated by the words of the parents and children themselves. Information on: finding a knowledgeable physician; the differences in symptoms between childhood-onset bipolar disorder and the adult-onset version of bipolar; differences from and comobidity with other childhood disorders; a chart  to record a child's moods; and other aids. All currently used treatments are covered, and their benefits, detriments, and contraindications are noted.

Part II, "Inside the Brain and Mind" is an interesting and informative investigation of how the illness has been understood historically, and how it seems to affect the brain and body. Frantic parents may wish to bypass this on their initial reading, however, and skipping it will not affect understanding of the final sections.

Parts III and IV are paydirt, loaded with nuggets of wisdom for "Living and Coping with Bipolar Disorder". Topics include, among many others, managing the stresses on the family, negotiating with public schools and with insurance companies, and a checklist of items to bring should a child need to be hospitalized.

This volume is an unique resource that parents are likely to return to often for help, for the authors' deep and compassionate understanding of the war zone they and their child inhabit, and for justified hope for a healthy life for their child.