BY ALEXA CATANZARITE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH, SPRING 2012 Helping School Leaders Accommodate Students Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder.

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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