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http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml#part5

http://helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_family_friends_support.htm

http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=education_brochures_helping_friend_family

http://www.thebalancedmind.org/sites/default/files/edbrochure.pdf

https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health/care/!ut/p/c4/LYtNCsIwEEbP4gGGMbQ2jbuBzgm60Lgb0tAGmx_a4Pk1IN_qPd6HL_wtySesUkNOsuMTrcup-lTvbpfzhMVXCTs-Wvkus5fDbWgblUPWKGhTBidu8839v2FBa3hizZrgSsMNlGIFNGqGyZhOEVNP_YAlxrGLdPkCGEDm8Q!!/

Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyiZfzbgaW4

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Medication:

Mood stabalizer's are the most common treatment given to people with a bipolar disorder as medication. Patients usually have to go through a trial and error process to identify which medication works best. Some examples are valproic acid, lamotrigine, and lamictal.

Atypical antipsychotics and antidepresents are also other medications that are recommended for people with bipolar disorders.

Psychotherapy:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)- helps patients learn how to change harmful and negative thoughts.

Family-focused therapy- involves familly during therapy. Teaches them coping strategies and how they can help the individual.

Psychoeducation- educates the individual on what bipolar disorder is and teaches them ways to recognize when a mood swing is coming and how to cope with it.

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy- helps improve relationships with others and keeps the patient on a constant routine.

Other treatments: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), sleep medications, and herbal supplements.

Ideally a child with a bipolar disorder will have a great support system at home. The family will work together with the child's school in order to help him succeed. Also, a patient with bipolar disorder will more than likely be on some form of medication. This will help them stabalize their behavior and other changes a patient might go through. Patients might also participate in therapy, which would help them cope with their problems. When an individual is receiving medication, has a good support system, and is going through therapy it allows for him or her to live a somewhat normal life

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How does bipolar disorder affect parents and family?:

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How does bipolar disorder affect parents and family?:

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Taking care of a child or teenager with bipolar disorder can be stressful for you, too. You have to cope with the mood swings and other problems, such as short tempers and risky activities. This can challenge any parent. Sometimes the stress can strain your relationships with other people, and you may miss work or lose free time.

If you are taking care of a child with bipolar disorder, take care of yourself too. Find someone you can talk to about your feelings. Talk with the doctor about support groups for caregivers. If you keep your stress level down, you will do a better job. It might help your child get better too.

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Bipolar disorder is a serious brain illness. It is also called manic-depressive illness or manic depression. Children with bipolar disorder go through unusual mood changes. Sometimes they feel very happy or “up,” and are much more energetic and active than usual, or than other kids their age. This is called a manic episode. Sometimes children with bipolar disorder feel very sad and “down,” and are much less active than usual. This is called depression or a depressive episode.

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The mood swings are more extreme and are accompanied by changes in sleep, energy level, and the ability to think clearly. Bipolar symptoms are so strong, they can make it hard for a child to do well in school or get along with friends and family members. The illness can also be dangerous. Some young people with bipolar disorder try to hurt themselves or attempt suicide.

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Feel very sad

Complain about pain a lot, such as stomachaches and headaches

Sleep too little or too much

Feel guilty and worthless

Eat too little or too much

Have little energy and no interest in fun activities

Think about death or suicide

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Feel very happy or act silly in a way that’s unusual for them and for other people their age

Have a very short temper

Talk really fast about a lot of different things

Have trouble sleeping but not feel tired

Have trouble staying focused

Talk and think about sex more often

Do risky things

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Have the child sit towards the front of the class.

Have as little possible distraction for the child.

If noise is an issue offer ear plugs or headphones to block some of the noise.

Keep the lights on for the child. If child is depressed they might get sleepy.

Schedule difficult tasks for when student works best.

Allow student to take longer time on homework.

Longer test time.

Make test simpler by offering multiple choice test.