Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing . . .
Review: Any parent will benefit, parents with difficult children - to parents with children with mental illness - will all find the facts in this book. Having dealt with mental illness for a lifetime in my family and with my children, this is the first book to fully explain what is happening in the brain, with the child, the family and provide concrete suggestions on how to approach parenting a child with mental illness. No one knows what that is like until they have been there. However, other parents who sail through life with mentally healthy kids will at one time or another be challenged. This book is a shorthand version of parenting in tough times. The depth of explanation for various types of disorders from bi-polar to depression is wonderful. Ten years ago there were no books out there for parents whose kids heaved TV's out the window in a rage, or suddenly jumped out of cars, or books that spoke to a Mother who was the only one in the whole world to love her son unconconditionally despite it all. This book is wonderful.
Rating: 
Summary: Must Have For All Parents
Review: Any parent will benefit, parents with difficult children - to parents with children with mental illness - will all find the facts in this book. Having dealt with mental illness for a lifetime in my family and with my children, this is the first book to fully explain what is happening in the brain, with the child, the family and provide concrete suggestions on how to approach parenting a child with mental illness. No one knows what that is like until they have been there. However, other parents who sail through life with mentally healthy kids will at one time or another be challenged. This book is a shorthand version of parenting in tough times. The depth of explanation for various types of disorders from bi-polar to depression is wonderful. Ten years ago there were no books out there for parents whose kids heaved TV's out the window in a rage, or suddenly jumped out of cars, or books that spoke to a Mother who was the only one in the whole world to love her son unconconditionally despite it all. This book is wonderful.
Rating: 
Summary: Almost 5 Stars
Review: Early in the book, Mr. Lynn describes several archetypes (e.g., the Hermit, the Shaman, the Explorer, the Scout) and draws parallels between these archetypes and different mental disorders. I have always found archetypes interesting, but the parallels he draws seem stretched too far. The author also renames several mental disorders. Based on research he cites, he renames Cyclothymia as Bipolar III (this one makes sense to me, although Cyclothymia is less intense than other Bipolar disorders, even as Dysthymia is less intense than Major Depression. Mania resulting from a reaction to psychotropic medication gets labeled Bipolar IV; I'm not sure of the value of this renaming. Major Depression, Recurrent, gets renamed as Bipolar V, and Manic Disorder gets renamed Bipolar VI. I corresponded with the author over this renaming issue, and he based his renaming on research on mood disorders that shows that few, if any, major mood disorders, over the person's lifetime, are actually unipolar. Thus, a person with Major Depression, Recurrent, is likely to eventually have one or more manic or hypomanic episodes. I am not sure about that, as I think there are depressed people who never experience mania. Early in the book, the author distinguishes conduct problems resulting from mood disorders, from conduct problems more appropriately classified as symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and Antisocial Personality Disorder. During this discussion, he uses the following terms interchangeably: psychopathic, psychotic, and psychopathological. I corresponded with the author, and he acknowledged the error in this, and indicated that the error was corrected in a reprinting about to be released.Throughout the book, the author strives to be "politically correct" in identifying describing people with different diagnoses. This is done, in my opinion, to an extreme, that lends a forced, awkward, and artificial tone to the discussion. The book, except for the flaws mentioned above, is well-written. It includes several extended case examples to clarify diagnostic issues and treatment approaches. Mr. Lynn gives many lists of concrete steps that parents and clinicians can use with clients, as well as differential diagnosis lists (e.g., two contrasting lists of traits, to distinguish between "meltdown" in Oppositional Defiant Disorder and rage in Bipolar Disorder). He talks readily about the duality of treating clients for major mental illness while holding them accountable for their behavior. Another strength is that the book does not address Bipolar Disorder in isolation. Mr. Lynn describes Bipolar Disorder by itself, Asperger's Syndrome by itself, and Tourette Syndrome by itself, and then gives descriptions of the combinations Bipolar-Asperger's and Bipolar-Tourette. The description of the Bipolar-Tourette combination clarified, for me, one of my former clients perfectly. The author readily cites research to back up his claims, and many of his descriptions of disorders reflect a blend of psychology and neurology. An example is his description of bipolar rage, wherein the frontal lobes of the brain are overloaded, shut down, and almost cease to function, allowing the lower (limbic) brain to take over, resulting in highly regressive and aggressive behavior. This is very similar to a complex seizure. Overall, the book is excellent and useful, once you get past a few early flaws.
Rating:
Summary: Almost 5 Stars
Review: Early in the book, Mr. Lynn describes several archetypes (e.g., the Hermit, the Shaman, the Explorer, the Scout) and draws parallels between these archetypes and different mental disorders. I have always found archetypes interesting, but the parallels he draws seem stretched too far. The author also renames several mental disorders. Based on research he cites, he renames Cyclothymia as Bipolar III (this one makes sense to me, although Cyclothymia is less intense than other Bipolar disorders, even as Dysthymia is less intense than Major Depression. Mania resulting from a reaction to psychotropic medication gets labeled Bipolar IV; I'm not sure of the value of this renaming. Major Depression, Recurrent, gets renamed as Bipolar V, and Manic Disorder gets renamed Bipolar VI. I corresponded with the author over this renaming issue, and he based his renaming on research on mood disorders that shows that few, if any, major mood disorders, over the person's lifetime, are actually unipolar. Thus, a person with Major Depression, Recurrent, is likely to eventually have one or more manic or hypomanic episodes. I am not sure about that, as I think there are depressed people who never experience mania. Early in the book, the author distinguishes conduct problems resulting from mood disorders, from conduct problems more appropriately classified as symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and Antisocial Personality Disorder. During this discussion, he uses the following terms interchangeably: psychopathic, psychotic, and psychopathological. I corresponded with the author, and he acknowledged the error in this, and indicated that the error was corrected in a reprinting about to be released. Throughout the book, the author strives to be "politically correct" in identifying describing people with different diagnoses. This is done, in my opinion, to an extreme, that lends a forced, awkward, and artificial tone to the discussion. The book, except for the flaws mentioned above, is well-written. It includes several extended case examples to clarify diagnostic issues and treatment approaches. Mr. Lynn gives many lists of concrete steps that parents and clinicians can use with clients, as well as differential diagnosis lists (e.g., two contrasting lists of traits, to distinguish between "meltdown" in Oppositional Defiant Disorder and rage in Bipolar Disorder). He talks readily about the duality of treating clients for major mental illness while holding them accountable for their behavior. Another strength is that the book does not address Bipolar Disorder in isolation. Mr. Lynn describes Bipolar Disorder by itself, Asperger's Syndrome by itself, and Tourette Syndrome by itself, and then gives descriptions of the combinations Bipolar-Asperger's and Bipolar-Tourette. The description of the Bipolar-Tourette combination clarified, for me, one of my former clients perfectly. The author readily cites research to back up his claims, and many of his descriptions of disorders reflect a blend of psychology and neurology. An example is his description of bipolar rage, wherein the frontal lobes of the brain are overloaded, shut down, and almost cease to function, allowing the lower (limbic) brain to take over, resulting in highly regressive and aggressive behavior. This is very similar to a complex seizure. Overall, the book is excellent and useful, once you get past a few early flaws.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing . . .
Review: For starters, the title is rather misleading-- the book is as much about Asperger's Syndrom, Tourette Syndrom, and ADHD as about Bipolar. Unless your child suffers some combination of these different illnesses, much of the material isn't helpful. Other material was unhelpful to me as it applied to children much younger than my son (age 16), but that would of course be different for other readers. There is useful advice, but it is neither especially novel nor particularly well organized. A chapter with rather uncritical enthusiasm for "naturopathic" remedies (among which Lynn strangely includes ECT!) also undermines the credibility of the book. In short-- you can do better, even just with online resources.
Rating:
Summary: Read this book, even if no one you know is Bipolar!
Review: George Lynn has written (another) highly accessible (reader friendly, positive and practical guide for people wanting to know how to understand and help kids (or adults) with differences. One of my sons was diagnosed Tourette Syndrome and Asperger syndrome in 1997. A couple of years ago, I stumbled across George's previous book: Survival Strategies for Parenting Your ADD Child. I was so pleased and inspired by the fresh and positive perspective Mr. Lynn takes regarding our "attention DIFFERENT children", that I contacted him and asked him to please write something similar targeting Asperger Syndrome! I am especially favorably impressed with the chapters in this book relating to Asperger Syndrome. I feel inspired to get the word out to other parents of AS and TS children that this a good resource for them, even if their child does not have Bipolar Disorder. My son has a lot in common with Richard, in the book: "he had good eye contact, he had a sense of humor, and he had decent conversational skills," and, "When he showered, it seemed he couldn't stop until all the hot water was gone." And I could really relate to the section on anxiety and stimulus and inertia. My son has shared some of Sean's "craving for weird, painful, or extreme sensations" and "he had a natural brilliance in math and demonstrated the ability to figure complex problems in his head." (Also, having myself been recently diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, 'though I still question it a bit, I read the rest of the book with great interest as well. These differences do tend to run in families!) In many families, including my own, when one person recieves a diagnosis of a condition, such as: Bipolar Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, ADD, Depression, Anxiety Disorder, Conduct Disorder; an objective family history will often reveal that there is often at least one other person in the family with some of the symptoms associated with these disorders, and symptoms may be found in varying degrees in other family members. Labels can be scary, and they can both help and hinder solutions to behavior problems. It is crucial to find resource people who are experts in the recognition and understanding of the most effective diagnostic and treatment methods. A person who is different and whose behaviors are often viewed as intentionally "bad" may suffer enormously from misunderstandings and mistreatment, as will the family. A variety of disorders and neurological conditions have behavioral aspects that can completely distract a parent or school system from a true diagnosis and positive, effective intervention and prevention which can cause needless damage and frustration for children and families. The increased understanding that can be gained from reading books like this, can help to prevent needless suffering and even help a person value some the unique differences that set him/her apart. I was surprised in 1997 that my education and training as a teacher, and initially, as an aide with muti-handicapped students in the years 1980 to 1986, left me so uninformed about all of the possible explanations for the odd and disturbing behaviors we had been seeing in our children. Even now, many of the current teachers and specialists in the schools seem to be years behind the research in both indentification and treatment and educational strategies. This is changing for the positive! The internet has made possible connections to other parents and to multiple resources, (including Amazon Books!) and I believe this group consciousness-raising as we face our individual struggles is a wonderful thing and is advancing the ability of us all, professionals and parents alike, to address the unique needs and exalt to unique skills of differently-abled individuals the world over!
Rating:
Summary: A Front-Row Seat into Bipolar Disorder
Review: George Lynn, a certified mental health counselor practicing in Washington State, shatters old paradigms in this new book about bipolar disorder. Lynn provides a front-row seat into the minds of individuals with bipolar disorder, and in-depth knowledge of bipolar coupled with Aspergers, Tourettes, or ADHD. I was fascinated by his compassionate approach while providing a firm foundation of no-nonsense strategies. And though written for parents, others will benefit from this book: family members, friends, school personnel, and other professionals. Case histories fill the pages with real people and their hopes, dreams, struggles. This book provides perspective that will empower you to live with and help children with bipolar disorder. Clearly a resource that should be in every library and in the hands of all whose lives are touched by bipolar disorder.
Rating: 
Summary: Survival Stratagies for Parenting Children With Bipolar Diso
Review: I found this book to be of very little help. Many of the chapters focus on Aspergers Syndrome. This book did not give any new or innovative thoughts on dealing with Bipolar children. I recommended this book to a friend interested in Aspergers. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: Realistic and very useful
Review: I have read Survival Strategies for Parenting Children with Bipolar Disorder and I believe it is right on the mark! As I read through it I could draw parallels that were exactly the same situations I have found myself in with our child. Thank you so much for this insight.
Rating:
Summary: Insightful and useful
Review: I have read your book and I believe it is right on the mark! As I read through it I could draw parallels that were exactly the same situations I have found myself in with our child. Thank you so much for this insight.
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