Mitzi Waltz has been a professional author, journalist, and editor for over a decade, covering topics ranging from computers to health care. As the parent of a daughter diagnosed with bipolar disorder II and a son diagnosed with PDD-NOS, she has been heavily involved in parent support work, and has also advocated for special-needs children within the medical, insurance, and education systems. "When bipolar disorders strike in childhood or the teen years, the results can be especially devastating. Without appropriate and timely treatment, families are torn apart, many young people are unable to finish school, and the future can look grim. This situation isn't helped by the fact that few physicians understand what these illnesses look like at various ages, and frequently miss or misdiagnose them. This book was written to help parents and professionals recognize, treat, and cope with bipolar disorders in children and adolescents. With early intervention, the possibilities for these kids are limitless." Ms. Waltz has also authored Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Finding a Diagnosis and Getting Help for O'Reilly Patient-Centered Guides series, among other books.

• Preface 1. What Are Bipolar Disorders ? 2. Getting a Diagnosis 3. Living with Bipolar Disorders 4. Medical Interventions 5. Therapeutic Interventions 6. Other Interventions 7. Insurance 8. School 9. Transitions Resources Notes