www.leosconeyisland.corn Diagnosis: Bipolar HBO explores heart-wrenching stories of children with disorder. U • Catering available at all locations • Coupons are for all locations including Hercules Family Restaurant at 12 Mile & Farmington ntil the 1990s, bipolar disor- der was considered an adult disease. Today, more than 800,000 children have been diag- nosed with the illness, often leaving them and their families traumatized, immobilized and stigmatized. The upcoming HBO2 cable TV special Diagnosis Bipolar: Five Families Search for Answers follows parents as they address the unique challenges of caring for their children in the shadow of depression, violence and potential suicide. The program is directed and pro- duced by Kate Davis and David Heilbroner, the team behind HBO's Emmy-win- ning documentary Jockey. The show debuts at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, on HB02. Other play dates are 10:30 a.m. Jan. 15 and 8 a.m. Jan. 21. Featured families include Marcie and Eric Lipsitt of Franklin and their 20-year-old son, Andrew. The documentary will bring view- ers deeply into the lives of families living with pediatric bipolar mood disorder (once called manic depres- sion). The stories told by the parents and children, reveal daily heartbreak, failure and triumph. There are no easy answers: Doctors admit this diagnosis is poorly under- stood. They work with parents to sort through untested medications with debilitating side effects and unknown long-term results. Parental observa- tions underscore the strength of fami- lies as they make medical decisions, feel social isolation and struggle to help the kids they love. Of the five families Diagnosis Bipolar follows, three have multiple children diagnosed with the illness. Drama unfolds on a daily basis, from failing at school to psychotic breakdown. In addition to intimate interviews, the documentary includes home video footage and interviews with experts. Ranging in age from 8 to 15, the children suffer from suicidal impulses, hypersexuality, recurring nightmares and violent outbursts. All take new medications that are not FDA-approved for children and which have dangerous, unpredictable side effects. The prognosis for their future — which includes a high rate of suicide, promiscuity, depression and drug use — leaves parents feeling they have virtually no other options. The local child featured in "Diagnosis Bipolar," Andrew Lipsitt, is a profoundly challenged child who has had private tutors since he was 4. His mood swings, from euphoria to despair, have been mitigated by thera- py and medication, but by no means cured. His psychia- trist, Dr. Wozniak, tells a chilling story of Andrew slash- ing himself with a razor in her waiting room. Still, there have been signs of progress that his parents find encouraging. Andrew's mood has stabilized lately, but only through the nearly heroic involvement of his mother, who spends virtually every hour of every day at Andrew's side. "People say to me on a regular basis, Andrew is so lucky to have you as a mother," Marcie Lipsitt notes in the film. "Andrew's not lucky at all because if he did not come from a family with generations of rampant devastating psychiatric illnesses, he would be healthy." Lipsitt told the JN she hopes the documentary provides clarity, cathar- sis and direction to children and par- ents searching for answers. "Andrew has continued to tell those who ask that he agreed to participate in the HBO film to help his doctors," Marcie said. "We have been flying him to Boston on a monthly basis for nine years." She added, "Our goal is to see families find properly trained pedi- atric psychiatrists, psychologists and public schools to diagnosis, treat and educate children who want nothing more than an opportunity to lead healthy, productive and quality-filled lives." 7) Receive Receive Receive $100 Off $200 Off Total Bill Over $10 Total Bill Over $20 Not valid with Specials. Not valid with any other offers. With coupon. Expires 01/10/10 Not valid with Specials. Not valid with any other offers. With coupon. Expires 01/10/10 10% Off Total Bill Not valid with Specials. Not valid with any other offers. With coupon. Expires 01/10/10 Detroit Deli & Catering ABSOLIMILYFREE WITH ANY MEAT, DAIRY OR SAM RAY ORDER: Doctors admit the condition is not well understood and they have no easy answers. ,1 lb. Corned Beef or Turkey! 4' 1 lb. Coleslaw or Potato Salad! 2 lb. Rye Bread! 15 person min. • 1 coupon per order • Order tray by 12.31.09 Free voucher valid after tray purchase thru 1.31.10 Business Meetings • New Year's_._x,•rties Shiva • Bris • Simch $3.99 Recession Buster Sandwiches! Banquets Weddings 248.723.3354 Fax: 248.723.3905 31645 Southfield Rd. at 13 1/2 Mile Beverl Hills 1547150 Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Showers Birthdays Reunions Anniversaries Etc, WE CATER AT MOST SYNAGOGUES, TEMPLES, HOTELS AND THE HALLS OF YOUR CHOICE w kat- . 7 pt/LCZ,. 144, JEWEL CLASSIC CUISINE Approved by Council of Orthodox Rabbis KOSHER CATERERS PHILIP TEW[1, food & Beverage Director 148-661-4050 Farmington Nills SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY, SHOP WITH OUR ADVERTISERS! Mention that you saw them in the JN! JN VMS Visit JNoniine.us JN December 31 2009 37