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Treatment of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: A Review

Jason J Washburn1, Amy E West, Jennifer A Heil

  • 1Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Minerva Psichiatrica
|August 9, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This review covers diagnosing and treating pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD). It examines medication options like Lithium and antipsychotics, alongside psychosocial interventions, highlighting remaining knowledge gaps.

Area of Science:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Neuroscience
  • Psychopharmacology

Background:

  • Pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) presents diagnostic challenges.
  • Understanding PBD's complexities is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current diagnostic approaches for PBD.
  • To evaluate pharmacologic and psychosocial interventions for PBD.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of PBD diagnosis and treatment studies.
  • Analysis of evidence for various treatment modalities.

Main Results:

  • Discusses diagnostic controversies and an evidence-based assessment protocol.
  • Reviews evidence for Lithium, antiepileptics, and second-generation antipsychotics.
  • Examines existing psychosocial treatments for PBD.

Conclusions:

  • Recent advances in PBD understanding and treatment exist.
  • Significant gaps in knowledge regarding PBD diagnosis and treatment persist.

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