Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is a brain disorder causing extreme mood swings. Intense, overly excited moods, called manic episodes, alternate with hopeless, sad moods called depressive episodes. Sometimes mania and depression occur together, called a mixed state. When bipolar disorder begins in childhood or adolescence it's referred to as early-onset bipolar disorder. The bipolar symptoms for early-onset bipolar tend to be more severe than in later-developing bipolar symptoms. Also, the mood changes from mania to depression appear to be more frequent in children and youth than in adults. Treatment for bipolar disorder generally includes therapy and medication.
Lithium
Litihim (lithium carbonate, Eskalith, Lithobid), long-used to treat bipolar disorder in adults, is also effective for some children. A naturally-occurring salt, lithium prevents mood cycling and calms mania. Lithium may be used alone or in combination with a mood-stabilizing medication.
Depakote
Depakote (valproic acid, divalproex sodium), an anti-convulsant, stabilizes moods, especially for children who cycle rapidly between depression and mania. An FDA warning accompanies depakote and other anti-convulsant medications, suggesting that it may increase thoughts and behaviors related to suicide. Close monitoring is recommended for patients taking depakote and other anti-convulsants.
Tegretol
Tegretol (carbamazepine), a mood stabilizer, works as an anti-aggressive and anti-manic medication. In particular, it is often prescribed to treat rage attacks. As an anti-convulsant, it carries an FDA warning regarding suicidal thoughts.
Neurontin
One of the newer anti-convulsant medications, neurontin appears to have fewer side effects than some of the older anti-convulsant medications. Because it's a newer drug, there is less information available as to its effectiveness.
Lamictal
Lamictal (lamotrigine), originally developed to treat epilepsy, treats both the depressive and the manic phases of bipolar. Considered a newer anti-convulsant medication, it is not generally prescribed for children under age 16.
Topomax
For adolescents and children with bipolar disorder who do not respond to depakote or tegretal, topomax (topiramate) may be prescribed. Another anti-convulsant medication, it works to control mixed bipolar states and rapid-cycling.
References
- Healthy Place: Medication and Therapy for Treating Bipolar Disorder in Children
- NIMH: What treatments are available for children and teens with bipolar disorder?
- "What Works for Bipolar Kids: Help and Hope for Parents;" Mani Pavuluri, MD, PhD;" 2008
