Developmental implications: Childhood and Adolescence
- Lifetime prevalence of pediatric and adolescent bipolar disorders is estimated at about 1%.
- Diagnosis is difficult.
- Treatment strategies
- Psychopharmacology
- Lithium
- Divalproex
- Carbamazepine
- Atypical antipsychotics
- Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (A D H D) is the most common comorbid condition.
- A D H D agents may exacerbate mania and should be administered only after bipolar symptoms have been controlled.
- Family interventions
- Psychoeducation about bipolar disorder
- Communication training
- Problem-solving skills training
- Psychopharmacology
