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Many clinicians find it easier to tell parents their child has a brain-based disorder than suggest parenting changes. Jennifer Harris (psychiatrist)

When a child is disregulated - is the time parents need to be regulated.

Hurt people hurt people.

Some hope their children will be like sponges soaking up the truth and wisdom imparted by their parents. However appealing this philosophy might be, it seldom seems to catch on with their children.

Simple rules adhered to when children are young can prevent more serious problems later.

You cannot reason with someone who is being unreasonable.

Being a parent of a teenager can cure a person of narcissism.

If you (parents) tend to overreact to your child's misbehaviour - your child learns that he can't trust you. Mom, Dad, stay regulated!

"Moody" and "unpredictable" are adjectives parents will often use when referring to their teenagers.

Don't wait for him to turn 10 before you reveal that you are not in fact the hired help whose job it is to clean up after him.

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Young & Bipolar

YOUNG & BIPOLAR
 
Bipolar = episodes of extraordinary energy and racing grandiose thoughts alternating with periods of    deep, perplexing depression (manic depressive)
 
                  Manic state:
                                    – great energy
                                    – unrealistic “highs”
                                    – go without sleep for days
                                    – rapid speech, flipping topics
                                    – intensely focus on activities or projects to the detriment of everything else
                                    – marked increase in sexual interests- risky sex,  masturbating
                                    – alcohol & drug abuse
                                    – reckless driving
                                    – normal inhibitions gone
                                    – flying thoughts but they do not make sense
 
                  Depressed State:
                                    – deep paralyzing depression
 
 
MOOD SWINGS ARE:
                  – extreme
                  – extensive
                  – potentially self-destructive
 
 CAUSE
                  – not known
                  – imbalance in brain chemistry
                                                      – serotonin
                                                      – norepinephrine
                  – strong evidence of genetic predisposition
 
 
 
80% of Bipolar adults have suicidal ideation
40% of Bipolar adolescents attempt suicide
15% do eventually commit suicide
25% of suicides victims have Bipolar
Bipolar can exist with other mental diseases complicating treatment
Bipolar is a serious mental disease that can be lethal
 
 
 
TREATMENT
                  – medications       – lithium
                                                      – anticonvulsants
                                                      – long term
                  – prognosis for Bipolar is optimistic with  proper and consistent treatment

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Workshops

+ Behaviour Management (now available online)

This full day or 2 evening workshop will introduce you […]

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+ A Parent’s Guide to the Teenage Brain

  A teenager’s brain is not just an adult brain […]

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+ Reading Rescue

A program for children with reading problems

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+ A Guided Tour of ADHD (now available online)

This workshop will present the facts, myths, misconceptions, controversy and […]

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Contact

2720 Rath Street, Putnam, Ontario
NOL 2BO

Phone: (519) 485-4678
Fax: (519) 485-0281

Email: info@rickharper.ca

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Parents' Comments

“Rick’s approach is so logical. He helped us clearly define the problem, analyze what has happened and select the best strategy. We now feel empowered to do something positive for our kid”

(A.N. – Tillsonburg)