ThisWeek Community Newspapers

Thursday, March 10, 2005

Miriam Utter is a Worthington Room librarian for Worthington Libraries.

March is a month of many moods -- sunshine and clouds, snow and rain, frost and flowers. It's easy to understand changes in the weather, as modern forecasting has given us global perspectives.

However, sudden changes in those we love and care for, especially children and teens, are harder to understand. Parents and teachers must decide if the change is merely a passing phase, or a symptom of a deeper, underlying problem.

On Wednesday, March 16, Dr. Mary Fristad, Worthington resident and professor of psychiatry and psychology at The Ohio State University, will discuss her recent book, "Raising A Moody Child: How to Cope with Depression & Bipolar Disorder," as part of Showcase Worthington, a Worthington Libraries program series that features local talent.

Her presentation will begin at 7:30 pm in the Worthington Room of Old Worthington Library, 820 High St.

Dr. Fristad's book, written in collaboration with Dr. Jill Goldberg Arnold, a researcher and clinician with multiple publications in the area of childhood mood disorders, helps families understand the mystifying behaviors caused by mood disorders, and offers guidelines for identifying them. Her thoughtful presentation contains many real-life examples that will help clarify confusing and contradictory situations. A thorough discussion of current drug therapy also contains much useful advice.

The book also addresses issues like providing kids a "coping toolkit" to manage their moods, finding the right professional help and safeguarding the couple's relationship when parenting stress goes up.

Dr. Fristad draws on her many experiences as a therapist and researcher of childhood mood disorders to produce a book the authors of "The Bipolar Child" describe as an "eminently practical book that educates and empowers."

In addition to teaching at The Ohio State University, Dr. Fristad is also director of that school's Research and Psychological Services in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.