Bipolar disorders: symptoms and treatment in children and adolescents

Bipolar disorders are being diagnosed with increasing frequency in children and adolescents, resulting in a need for nurses in a wide variety of settings to be aware of symptom presentation and treatment options. Symptoms can be conceptualized in a developmental context based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV TR) criteria. Symptoms of mania can be distinguished from other disorders, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, even when these disorders co-occur. Treatment options can include single or combination psychopharmacologic therapy, using a variety of mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotic agents and subsequent treatment of residual ADHD symptoms. Additionally, therapeutic interventions for the child and family are important. While additional research is needed, appropriate treatment of pediatric bipolar disorders can lead to significant improvements in functioning and development.