ERIC Number: EJ1139289
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2325-7466
EISSN: N/A
Evaluating Childhood Bipolar Disorder--A Survey of School Psychologists' Knowledge and Practices
Mayo, Linda A.; Mayo, Joseph A.
Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, p4-13 Win 2008
Using data gathered from the "Childhood Bipolar Disorder Survey," this study explored Pennsylvania school psychologists' knowledge and practices when evaluating children for Bipolar Disorder (BPD). Results indicate that only a small percentage of school referrals involved children or adolescents with BPD. Participating school psychologists were moderately familiar with both the literature and psychopharmacology surrounding childhood BPD. Although doctoral-prepared school psychologists were permitted to diagnose childhood BPD more than non-doctoral practitioners, approximately half of participants trained to diagnose childhood BPD were not allowed to do so in their respective schools. Participants identified disturbed mood, depression, grandiosity, rapid cycling, and sensation seeking as the more important symptoms influencing their understanding of childhood BPD. School psychologists used clinical history, formal diagnostic criteria, collateral data, and behavioral observations as their main instruments when making a diagnosis. Educational implications and future directions for research are discussed.
Descriptors: Depression (Psychology), Mental Disorders, Child Health, School Psychology, Knowledge Level, Screening Tests, Children, Adolescents, Clinical Diagnosis, Disability Identification, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Surveys, Likert Scales, Referral
American Academy of Special Education Professionals. 3642 East Sunnydale Drive, Chandler Heights, AZ 85142. Tel: 800-754-4421; Fax: 800-424-0371; e-mail: editor@aasep.org; Web site: http://www.aasep.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Pennsylvania
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A