Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens: A Parent's Guide (PDF)

Lithium is a type of medication calleda mood stabilizer. It can help treat andprevent manic symptoms 11 in childrenages 12 and older. 21 In addition, thereis some evidence that lithium mightact as an antidepressant and helpprevent suicidal behavior. 22 However,FDA’s approval of lithium was basedon treatment studies in adults. In fact,some experts say the FDA might notapprove giving lithium to bipolar youthif the agency were to review this treatmenttoday.Risperidone and aripiprazole are atype of medication called an atypical,or second-generation, antipsychotic.These medications are called “atypical”to set them apart from earliertypes of medications, called conventionalor first generation antipsychotics.Short-term treatment with risperidone can help reduce symptoms of mania ormixed mania in children ages 10 and up. Aripiprazole is approved to treat thesesymptoms in children 10–17 years old who have bipolar I. 21Your child’s psychiatrist may recommend other types of medication, which arelisted below. Studies in adults with bipolar disorder show these medications maybe helpful. However, these medications have not been approved by the FDA totreat bipolar disorder in children.Anticonvulsant medications are commonly prescribed to treat seizures, but thesemedications can help stabilize moods too. They may be very helpful for difficultto-treatbipolar episodes. For some children, anticonvulsants may work better thanlithium. Not every child can take lithium. Examples of anticonvulsant medicationsinclude:• Valproic acid or divalproex sodium (Depakote)• Lamotrigine (Lamictal).Lithium PoisoningChildren may be showing early signs oflithium poisoning if they develop the following:• Diarrhea• Drowsiness• Muscle weakness• Lack of coordination• Vomiting.Take your child to the emergency room ifhe or she is taking lithium and has thesesymptoms. You should know that the riskof lithium poisoning goes up when a childbecomes dehydrated. Make sure your childhas enough to drink when he or she has afever or sweats, such as when playing sportsin the hot summer.Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens: A Parent’s Guide • 9