PULSE BOOK HELPS PARENTS OF BIPOLAR CHILDREN MAKE RIGHT DECISIONS.

Byline: Mariko Thompson Staff Writer

When Dr. Demitri Papolos and Janice Papolos published ``The Bipolar Child: The Definitive and Reassuring Guide to Childhood's Most Misunderstood Disorder'' (Broadway Books; $26) in 2000, little did they know that they would do an expanded edition two years later.

More than 1 million American children suffer from early-onset bipolar disorder, more commonly known as manic depression. The disease was once thought to be rare in children. Even today, bipolar disorder often is mistaken for depression or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The consequences of a misdiagnosis can be devastating. The stimulants used to treat ADHD and the anti-depressants used to treat depression and other anxiety disorders can have an adverse effect on bipolar children, said Demitri, director of research at the Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation.

``What's going on around the country is a public-health nightmare,'' he said. ``Parents are often blamed as if it's their parenting techniques or skills that caused the children to behave in the ways they do. Ultimately it's a disease that's either undiagnosed and untreated - or treated in a way that's made it worse.''

The husband-wife team added a chapter on neuropsychological testing as well as information on a new mood stabilizer called Trileptal and coping strategies for families in which several members have been diagnosed with the disorder.

``You read the book and you no longer feel isolated,'' says Janice, author of three books and editor of the Bipolar Child Newsletter. ``It lets parents in on what's going on in the field. They will be able to intelligently discuss the latest research. We make the parent the head of the treatment team.''

For more information, visit the couple's Web site at www.bipolarchild.com.

VISIONARY IDEA: The Braille Institute has created a new resource for people with fading vision. One in four people over the age of 55 experience some form of vision loss. ``Sound Solutions,'' a series of 14 cassette tapes, addresses such issues as overcoming emotional barriers, techniques for daily living and myths about blindness. To order the tapes, call [phone]. For more information, visit www.brailleinstitute.org.

- M.T.

HOLIDAY HEALING: If you're holiday shopping in Beverly Hills and need to destress, swing by the Three Realms spa and fitness center for a complimentary yoga class, Pilates class or massage treatment through Dec. 24. The yoga classes will be held at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday. The ballet Pilates classes are scheduled for 6 tonight and Monday, Dec. 9. A 10- to 15-minute massage of choice will be available between 1 and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Three Realms is open for the holiday season in a temporary location, 421 N. Rodeo Drive at the Rodeo Collection in Beverly Hills. Call [phone].

- M.T.

GET SLEEK AND CHIC: Niedra Gabriel gives her viewers something to aspire to in her home Pilates workout, ``Fit Chic'' (Terra Entertainment; $14.95), available in DVD and VHS formats. In part one, Gabriel glides through a 20-minute routine, accompanied by music and uninterrupted by voiced directions. In part two, she breaks down the routine move by move. Unless you're skilled in Pilates mat work, you'll need to watch part two more than once. For more information, visit www.shopterra.com.

- M.T.

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(1) Dr. Demitri Papolos and Janice Papolos

(2) no caption (book: ``The Bipolar Child: The Definitive and Reassuring Guide to Childhood's Most Misunderstood Disorder'')

(3) no caption (``Sound Solutions'')

(4) no caption (``Fit Chic'')