Bipolar Disorder in Children

Vastag (2003) reported that prepubescent bipolar disorder is rare and the treatment of children with this disorder is poorly researched. There is limited data regarding the efficacy and safety of using psychotropic medications for treatment in children. Bipolar disorder in children and adolescents tends to be more severe than in adults with ultra-rapid mood cycling several times a day (not found in adults). Extreme irritability is also more common during manic episodes in children (less common in adults). ADHD and bipolar may coexist in children. Prescribing stimulants to children, such as with the use of Ritalin for those that are diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is of particular concern since it can trigger or exacerbate manic symptoms.

State, Altshuler, and Frye (2002) reported further on the tendency for a coexistence of mania and ADHD in prepubertal

children. Since bipolar illness in children is considered rare this diagnosis has received little attention. However, in a study of over 900 subjects, it was discovered

. . .
a positive response to lithium. Thus use of lithium for ADHD patients may not be appropriate. Additional studies support the use and tolerance of lithium in children and adolescents, however response rates are lower than for adults and large rigorously controlled studies are needed to support this conclusion. Wilkinson, Taylor, and Holt (2002) reported that adolescents with bipolar may exhibit either a manic or a depressive episode initially; 20% to 30% with major depression have manic episodes that follow. This group may consume illegal drugs to control mood swings. Adolescents may exhibit irritability and destructive outbursts rather than euphoria in mania stages. Akathesia, a restless inner tension is characteristic of adolescent bipolar disorder and this may be coupled with anxiety, which results in irritability and hyperactivity. Differential diagnosis must rule out alternate diagnosis. Treatment of children has only recently included the use of medications. Lithium, Depakote, Tegretol, Neurontin, Lamictal, Topomax, and Gabitril are commonly prescribed to stabilize mood in bipolar disorder; besides lithium, these are anticonvulsants. Antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed for mania. Antidepressants may be used for
. . .

Some common words found in the essay are:
Farkas Hamrin, Treatment Compliance, Hwang Mintz, Coexist Vastag, Taylor Holt, Lampert Burroughs, Altshuler Frye, Topomax Gabitril, ADHD Ritalin, Disorder Children, bipolar disorder, children adolescents, lithium children, adolescents bipolar, disorder children, bipolar disorder children, children adolescents bipolar, treatment choice, disorder lithium, treatment children, treatment bipolar, bipolar illness, lithium children adolescents, adolescents bipolar disorder, treatment bipolar disorder,
Approximate Word count = 1232
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page)

More Essays on Bipolar Disorder in Children