BY ALEXA CATANZARITEUNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH,SPRING 2012

Helping School Leaders Accommodate Students Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder

OUTLINE

• Definition• Prevalence• Treatment options• Case study• Uses of school based interventions

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Definition of Bipolar disorder

• Characteristics and symptoms• Extreme shifts in mood, energy, ability to

function1

• Irritability, verbal and physical tantrums1

• Distractibility, inattentiveness, anxiousness, perfectionism5

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THE ROLE OF THE SCHOOL LEADER

1. Endorse the child’s behavior intervention plan

2. Model how to respond to behaviors

3. Encourage and support teacher instruction

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FEDERAL GUIDELINES

• Section 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973• Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)

• Individual Education Plan (IEP)• Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)

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Prevalence

• Not recognized until 1990s1

• 1 million children and teens diagnosed1

• Family factors1

• Brain imaging technology used to determine causes and treatment options1

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Treatment Options

• Medications• Mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants• Noncompliance

• Therapy• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Self-monitoring4

• Psychoeducation4

• Interpersonal/Social Rhythm Therapy• Play Therapy1

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Case Study

• Maura, age 13• Diagnosed with bipolar disorder and symptoms of ADHD and OCD

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Uses of school-based interventions

• Evidence-Based Practices2

• Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support• Cognitive behavioral modification

• Expanded school mental health6

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SUMMARY

• Attend and contribute to IEP meetings• Support classroom teachers

• Help to adjust instruction and responses

• Asking questions, arranging meetings, endorsing IEPs and BiPs

• Overcome stigma associated with mental health disorders

• Monitor and adjust attitudes and beliefs

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FURTHER RESOURCES

National Institute of Mental Health (NIHM)http://www.nimh.nih.gov

Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundationhttp://www.bpkids.org

Families for Depression Awarenesshttp://www.familyaware.org

Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundationhttp://www.jbrf.org

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References

1. Families for Depression Awareness (2007, June). Depression and bipolar wellness guide for parents of

children and teens with depression or bipolar disorder (Version 2). Waltham, MA: Author.

2. Forness, S. R. (2005). The pursuit of evidence-based practice in special education for children with

emotional or behavioral disorders. Behavioral Disorders, 30(4), 311-330. doi: 916890381

3. Gaudiano, B.A., Weinstock, L.M., & Miller, I.W. (2008). Improving treatment adherence in bipolar disorder.

Behavior Modification, 32(3), 267.

4. Mayer, M., Lochman, J., & Van Acker, R. (2005). Introduction to the special issue: cognitive-behavioral

interventions with students with EBD. Behavioral Disorders, 30(3), 197-212. doi: 938654351

5. Papolos, J., Hatton, M.J., Norelli, S., C.E. Garcia, & A.M. Smith. (2002). The educational issues of

students with bipolar disorder. Retrieved from Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation website:

http://www.jbrf.org/edu_forums/issues.html

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References

6. Weist, M.D., Ambrose, M. G., & Lewis, C. P. (2006). Expanded school mental health: a

collaborative community-school example. Children & Schools, 28, 45-50. doi:10.1093/cs/28.1.45

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