Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents

continued from

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Once the diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made, the treatment of children and adolescents is based mainly on experience with adults, since as yet there is very limited data on the efficacy and safety of mood stabilizing medications in youth. The essential treatment for bipolar disorder in adults involves the use of appropriate doses of mood stabilizers, most typically lithium and/or valproate (Depakote), which are often very

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effective for controlling mania and preventing recurrences of manic and depressive episodes. Research on the effectiveness of these and other medications in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder is ongoing. In addition, studies are investigating various forms of psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, to complement medication treatment for this illness in young people.

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