Safety and tolerability of bipolar disorder treatment in youth

Bipolar disorder is an increasingly common diagnosis given to children and adolescents. Most studies of lithium, anticonvulsants, and atypical antipsychotics have been conducted in adult populations, but new data are providing information on the safety and tolerability of these medications for treating children and adolescents. Although generally well tolerated, psychotropic agents have different side effect profiles that should be considered when planning treatment regimens for pediatric patients. Additional controlled and comparative trials are needed on the safety and tolerability of these medications in young patients, especially for long-term maintenance treatment.