Understanding the Mind of Your Bipolar Child: The Complete Guide to the Development, Treatment, and Parenting of Children with Bipolar Disorder

by Gregory T. Lombardo

Help and hope for parents of children who suffer from this prevalent and puzzling disorder Bipolar disorder has an impact not only on children's mood and behavior but on the way they experience the world, and consequently on the way they think. The intensity with which a bipolar child perceives things can be the source of creativity and talent, but it can also be a source of confusion and disorganization. If parents can understand the effects of bipolar disorder on their child, they can help him or her to better navigate school, friendships, and family relationships.
Dr. Lombardo provides comprehensive information
Professional diagnosis
Developmental issues
Disorders that go hand-in-hand with bipolar, including ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder
Effective treatment – including psychotherapy and medication
Understanding the Mind of the Bipolar Child is essential reading for all parents who want to better understand their child and provide support every step of the way. Gregory T. Lombardo, M.D., Ph.D ., is board certified in adult psychiatry, as well as in child and adolescent psychiatry, and is a diplomate of the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology. He is highly trained and experienced in the treatment of children with bipolar disorder. His practice includes biological diagnosis, clinical psychopharmacology, and psychotherapeutic techniques. He also collaborates closely with psychologists and other therapists in the treatment on children with this disorder. Additionally, he has a background in teaching and writing literature at the college and secondary-school level.

384 pages, Paperback

First published November 14, 2006

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot begin to describe the chaos that occurs when a parent is first given the diagnosis of bipolar in his or her child. Many thoughts come to mind. The words: crazy, nuthouse, homeless, mental institution, and alone; are some of the words that enter the thought process. A red haze of panic swells and threatens to consume the common sense that exists until the calm voice of the doctor reminds the parent that all is not lost. Modern medicine has moved along with technology and the diagnosis of bipolar is not so uncommon. In one sense it is transforming itself into another form of ADHD and is often diagnosed hand in hand with ADD or ADHD. Rather than melting into the ground in a pile of hot rage, the parent is given information that is life changing and the world starts to look better. This book is one such tool. It is a manual that has allowed more than one parent an opportunity to really understand the on goings of the mind of his or her bipolar child. The author takes the reader from birth to young adulthood, which really helps the parent understand what may lie ahead for him or her in the future. The book covers basic information such as symptoms, rages, meltdowns, medications, ADD, ADHD, etc. Common concerns about jobs, social issues, and employment are discussed.

This book has been a life saver for myself and my husband. My daughter of 8 years was just diagnosed bipolar co-morbid ADHD several weeks ago and this book has really helped explain many issues she is having. Someone might as well take her picture and place it in this book. In a way it is comforting since we have an idea of what to expect. I no longer fear the future. I understand that we are going to have some major bumps ahead of us, but I think she will be fine. This book has allowed us to understand the different types of treatment and what types of treatment are available. I am happy to say that her current medication is working great and she is doing very well. I am hoping that many other parents with children on the spectrum of autism, ADHD, bipolar, etc. will take a look at this book. It has been very useful and I am so happy to have stumbled upon it!

[Michael Thomas · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have spent many years wondering what happened to Dr. Lombardo. At the tender age of 7 I began to be treated by him until about 9 years old. During that time, I was placed on the highest doses allowed of Tegretol, Riseridol, Depakote, Lithium, Seroquil, Wellbutrin, Paxil, Pamalor and I’m sure there is a few I am missing, probably about a half a dozen. I was taking these medications, all together, at the same time, 5 time a day. The dosages I was receiving were doses ethical psychiatrists wouldn’t even come close to giving to adults. The medication made me more mentally ill, and the side effects turned me into a zombie, and made me physically ill. When I started seeing a reputable psychiatrist, other than this quack, I had to be placed in a psychiatric setting to be weaned off the cocktail of drugs I didn’t need to be on. Essentially I had to detox as a child. The horror and childhood trauma this piece of human excrement caused me haunted me through my teen years and into adult hood. I am now 34 today, and I have been in therapy for years because of the childhood trauma, and the false Bi-Polar diagnosis he gave me so that I can be his lab rat. Last night I learned of his death upon a google search. In the obituary it states “after fighting a long battle with an illness.” Which means he suffered. It brings me closure to know that the last of his years of his evil existence were plagued with pain in illness. It brings me joy to know he suffered immensely. The world is now a better place without this evil fecal matter of a human being walking the earth. It brings me joy to know he will never harm another child. It brings me joy to know that the final years of his criminal career he was stripped of his license to practice due to his filthy ethics. I hope he has settled comfortably Into the depths of Hell and may he rot in eternal piss

[Jonathan Wichmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very compassionate, personal, and informative.