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Complementary medicines in pediatric bipolar disorder.
S Bogarapu1, J R Bishop, C D Krueger
1Department of Psychiatry, Center for Cognitive Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Minerva Pediatrica
|February 16, 2008
Summary
Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) are increasingly used for pediatric bipolar disorder. While some CAM like Omega-3s show promise as adjunctive treatments, conventional medicine remains the primary choice.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pediatric Mental Health
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Background:
- Growing use of CAM for mental health conditions, especially in children.
- Challenges in pediatric mental illness treatment drive interest in alternatives.
- Increased CAM utilization in psychiatry for difficult-to-treat conditions like pediatric bipolar disorder (BD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies on the utility of CAM in bipolar disorder patients.
- To inform healthcare providers about CAM use in pediatric patients.
- To assess the efficacy and role of CAM in managing pediatric bipolar disorder.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating CAM in bipolar patients.
- Selection of relevant studies for analysis.
- Synthesis of findings on specific CAM interventions.
Main Results:
- Omega-3 fatty acids and lecithin/choline show preliminary potential for bipolar disorder treatment.
- S-adenosyl methionine (SAM-e) and inositol have data supporting efficacy in depressive symptoms.
- CAM may serve as useful adjunctive treatments, but limited data supports standalone therapy.
Conclusions:
- Conventional medicines remain the first-line treatment for pediatric bipolar disorder.
- Healthcare providers must inquire about and understand the risks and benefits of CAM in children.
- Further research is needed to establish the role of CAM as standalone therapy.
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