Helping School Leaders
Accommodate Students
Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder
B Y A L E X A C ATA N Z A R I T E
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH,
SPRING 2012
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 Foundation
http://www.bpkids.org
Families for Depression Awareness
http://www.familyaware.org
Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation
http://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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