pediatrics
Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents
Introduction
Bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating periods of mania, depression, and normal mood, each lasting for weeks to months at a time. Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria. Treatment is a combination of mood stabilizers (eg,lithium, certain anticonvulsants, antipsychotic medications), psychotherapy, and antidepressants. Bipolar disorder typically begins during mid-adolescence through the mid-20s. In many children, the initial manifestation is one or more episodes of Depressive Disorders in Children and Adolescents . (See also Bipolar disorder is rare in children. In the past, bipolar disorder was diagnosed in prepubertal children who were disabled by intense, unstable moods. However, because such children typically progress to a depressive rather than bipolar disorder, they are now classified as having Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder . 