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Ethosuximide-induced mania in a 10-year-old boy
1Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. jc_018@usc.edu
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|June 22, 2011
Summary
Ethosuximide, a medication for absence seizures, may cause mania, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts in children. Clinicians should monitor for these psychiatric side effects, especially with increased use in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Child Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ethosuximide is a primary treatment for absence seizures in children and adolescents.
- Previous literature has documented psychosis and suicidal ideation as potential adverse effects of ethosuximide.
- These psychiatric symptoms have rarely been reported within the context of manic episodes.
Observation:
- A case study involving a 10-year-old male patient treated with ethosuximide is presented.
- The patient exhibited acute manic symptoms.
- The patient also experienced psychotic symptoms and suicidal ideation concurrently.
Findings:
- The patient developed acute mania, characterized by significant mood and behavioral changes.
- Psychotic symptoms, including delusions or hallucinations, were observed during the manic episode.
- Suicidal ideation was a prominent feature, posing an immediate safety concern.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for ethosuximide to induce mania, psychosis, and suicidal ideation in pediatric patients.
- Increased awareness among clinicians is crucial given the resurgence of ethosuximide as a first-line therapy.
- Careful psychiatric monitoring is warranted during ethosuximide treatment, particularly in children and adolescents.
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