Bipolar Web Resources
Frontline: The Medicated Child Watch Video 
Focusing primarily on medical treatment for childhood and adolescents with bipolar, this program also addresses ADHD, tics, and follows several families as they pursue accurate diagnosis and make difficult medication decisions. Assesses the current state of knowledge for minors with serious mental health issues vs. physical ailments like cancer.
Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
Numerous family stories and articles, expert interviews, research abstracts and reprints.
Bipolar Disorders: Psych. Education.com
This very comprehensive site discusses recognizing Bipolar symptoms, maintaining hope, and uderstanding the role of genetics vs. blaming yourself for “low personal strength.” Articles explore the tricky business of telling whether symptoms truly represent Bipolar vs. ADHD, anxiety, thyroid problems, Borderline Personality, etc. (although more than one condition may be present).
A Bipolar Self-Test here and another Bipolar Self Test at Mental Health Net may help decide if evaluation by a professional– or a second opinion– is recommended. However, as shown by a third, more complicated screen below, traditional self-tests and the official DSM list of Bipolar symptoms as reported by the client is likely just one piece of the puzzle in an accurate diagnosis. Equally important as self-reported symptoms are the family history of mental conditions, family members’ perception on symptoms, past reponse to medication, the age at the first depression, and long-term patterns in symptoms. As this long list suggests, working with a provider specializing in Bipolar specifically can be critical to getting the right diagnosis and the right help in a timely way. In one study, those with a Bipolar depression went undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for an average of 12 years.
Professionals already familiar with Bipolar may also find use for this much more complicated assessment tool. On this final, rather complicated tool, non-professionals can still probably understand from the chart how their past response to antidepressant medications can offer insight about possible Bipolar aspects to their depression. Please note that the 100 point scoring system per se has not yet been scientifically validated.
Broad Mental Health Websites with Bipolar Information:
Mental Health Net
Describes the symptoms of common mental health diagnoses, then reviews treatments, research, national organizations and support groups, and online support. To search the site, scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Psychology Info.com : Common diagnoses
Describes major mental health concerns organized clustered by global category (e.g. anxiety, depression). Includes a review of causes, subtypes and discussion of medical and psychological treatments.
Web M.D.
With content written and reviewed by our local company Healthwise, this site offers numerous articles and resources on both physical and mental health. The Drugs & Treatment tab takes you to an alphabetical list of medications, allowing you to see FDA indications and warnings.
Medscape: Mental & Emotional Health Info.
Pamphlet-type information for all categories of major mental health concerns, written by the National Institutes of Mental Health and Carenotes. Also sign up here to receive periodic newsletters with the newest news and research on select topics, like ADHD and Bipolar. Requires a quick, free registration.
National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) “For the Public”
Excellent reading, with more technical detail included. Printable pamphlets available here for yourself, or to share with family, friends, coworkers or teachers.
NAMI Idaho
NAMI is a nationwide organization dedicated to support, education and advocacy on behalf of people with a mental illness and their families. After creating a free online account, you can access numerous online discussion and support groups in a bulletin board format. Post your comments or questions, or just read about others’ experiences.
Mental Health Interactive
Extensive archived question-and-answer site, with questions solicited from the public in an “Ask Libby” format. Also lists national organizations and support groups. Easy to read, though answers may be more simplified than elsewhere.