The Purchase Region

The Kentucky Foster and Adoptive Parent Training and Support Network

Home
About Us
Contact Us
Site Map
For DCBS Staff
For Network Team Members
Upcoming Trainings
Waiting Children
For Foster/Adoptive Parents
Parenting Bipolar Kids
Lifebook pages
Parenting Foster/Adopted Children With Bipolar Disorder 
 
 
Parenting, even in the best of situations, can be challenging.  When you add the challenges that some children who you foster and/or adopt may have faced in their lives and then top it off with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, you may find yourself on a parenting roller coaster ride! 
 
Information is power.  Start taking control of the ups and downs that parenting a child with bipolar disorder can bring by learning all that you can about the disease, getting a proper diagnosis, getting the very best treatment to which you can find access, and surround yourself with people who know what you are going through! 


Join foster/adoptive parents right in your region in sharing the ups and downs of parenting a child who has bipolar disorder.  Visit our BLOGSPOT, read about other parents' experiences, and share your own!  Please remember to not include any identifying information about yourself, your child, or your location.  I will monitor the blog posts for this and will post only entries that are appropriate.  Let's support one another!  parentingbipolarfosteradoptedchildren.blogspot.com  To leave a comment on a blog click on the date underneath the entry.

What is Bipolar Disorder?
 
Bipolar is a cyclic mood disorder also sometimes known as manic depression.  Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of elevated mood (manic episodes) and periods of depressed mood. 
 
(Please check back soon as I will be working to complete this page in the next few days!)
 

How can I know if my child has bipolar disorder?

 

The only way to know for sure is to get him/her to a professional who is licensed and trained to know when someone has bipolar disorder and to be able to differentiate between it and other possible disorders/behaviors.  Contact your R&C worker or your permanency specialist to get a list of recommended professionals in your area.