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.

This book describes 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.

272 pages.

"An extremely reassuring and eminently practical book...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 Child

"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...Highly recommended."

- Martha Hellander, Executive Director, Child And Adolescent Bipolar Foundation

"As the mother of two children who have been diagnosed with mood disorders, I found this book invaluable."

- Edna Wright, Bexley, Ohio