Raising a Moody Child

Every day can be an ordeal for families struggling with the difficult, moody, impossible behavior that may point to childhood depression or bipolar disorder. Effective help for kids does exist, but it often requires a customized combination of medication, therapy, coping skills, and support. From esteemed clinician and researcher Dr. Mary Fristad and fellow treatment expert Dr. Jill Goldberg Arnold, this indispensable book explains how treatment works and what additional steps parents can take at home to help children with mood disorders--and the family as a whole--improve the quality of their lives. Explained are why symptoms look so different (and can be so much harder to manage) in children and teens than in adults, how to find the right doctor or therapist, and how to help kids develop their own coping toolkits. Bursting with practical tools, FAQs, and examples, the book covers everything from dealing with medical crises to resolving school problems, sibling conflicts, and marital stress.

Bipolar illness and depression can derail a child’s normal development at any age. With sage advice to parents (and kids) that 'it’s not your fault, but it’s your challenge,' the authors provide a roadmap and a toolkit of strategies for families facing these complicated, heritable, and treatable medical disorders. Highly recommended.--Martha Hellander, Executive Director, Child and Adolescent Bipolar FoundationAs the mother of two children who have been diagnosed with mood disorders, I found this book invaluable. It is extremely thorough and readable; provides solid, current information; and covers every aspect of life that is affected by these disorders. In short, the book helps families navigate murky and formidable waters. It is a great plus to have such a resource available.--Edna Wright, Bexley, OH This is an extremely reassuring and eminently practical book that educates and empowers parents of children with bipolar disorder. Not only does it demystify situations that so often paralyze parents, it moves them to a place where they can become much more effective in helping their ill children as well as their family as a whole.--Demitri F. Papolos, MD, and Janice Papolos, authors of The Bipolar ChildUntil we have a 'cure' for mood disorders, young people, their families, and educators will need informed and sensible ways of understanding and managing them. Raising a Moody Child provides state-of-the-art information interwoven with strategies the authors have developed over the years to mitigate the challenges as well as celebrate the strengths posed by 'moody' young people.--Gabrielle A. Carlson, MD, Director, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stony Brook University - An excellent book that provides parents with thoughtful guidance on how best to navigate this difficult terrain....Few resources present the problem and the solutions as clearly and sensitively....The authors present a 'tool kit' which includes a variety of useful coping strategies and activities....The authors use thoughtful vignettes of when and how to use these strategies with children of different ages and in different situations....Although the book is written for parents, mental health professionals will find the information in this book useful, too, particularly those not experienced in the treatment of childhood mood disorders. The authors have written a book of uncommon wisdom for the real heroes in this difficult journey—the parents who love and care for their moody child. --Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Book Reviews, 11/1/2003

Mary A. Fristad, PhD, ABPP, is Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology at the Ohio State University, where she is also Director of Research and Psychological Services in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. A distinguished researcher and clinician, she has published over 100 professional articles, chapters, and books on childhood mood disorders.Jill S. Goldberg Arnold, PhD, is a researcher and seasoned clinician with multiple publications in the area of childhood mood disorders. Previously, she was a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Ohio State University. She currently maintains a private practice in the greater Philadelphia area.