Written by Demitri, associate professor of psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, and his wife, Janice, the book The Bipolar Child offers us a comprehensive understanding of bipolar disorder in children, focusing on how this complicated illness evolves in children as well as on its diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care. For any caregiver experiencing life with a bipolar child, Demitri and Janice Papolos’s The Bipolar Child will be an indispensable reference guide.

The authors dispel the myth that bipolar disorder only occurs in adolescents and adults by arguing that nearly one-third of children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may actually be bipolar disorder, and that they stress the importance of getting early diagnosis and treatment, especially since ritalin, which is commonly prescribed for ADHD, may worsen the bipolar child’s condition. They also warned that cases of bipolar disorder are increasingly occurring at a younger age.

After clarifying that, material is presented clearly, with lots of helpful charts and lists to aid in receiving proper diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care. Various sorts of medical information are relayed, aiming at helping parents to give effective treatment to their children. Importantly, many pages are dedicated to discuss the emotional revulsions that one gets by living with a bipolar child, and how parents and children can cope most effectively.

The book is filled with families’ stories that do a beautiful job providing comfort and inspiration to others. A detailed chapter on hospitalization covers everything from insurance to types of treatments. The authors provide excellent information regarding improved educational practices, with step-by-step instructions for goal-setting with your child and communicating your child’s needs to school personnel.

In a word, The Bipolar Child is a satisfying and wise read.