Approximately 3 million people in the United States suffer from bipolar disorder. If treated inadequately, the illness can have tragic consequences. Recurrence is defined as either a change in polarity from depression or an interval of at least 2 months without maniac symptoms. B. The Manic Episode is not better accounted for by Schizoaffective Disorder and is not superimposed on Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform Disorder, Delusional Disorder, or Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Once the child appears stable, therapy is needed to help the child to understand about his illness and the effects of their emotions and their behavior.
Medication is a helpful way to get the child stable.
However, one must also be careful. It is also important to know that anti-depressant medications can possibly cause very rapid cycling in the bipolar child and that these medications may cause the child to become more irritable, and more aggressive. Mood stabilizers such as Lithium, Depekote and Tegretol are often prescribed. Other medications including Neurontin, Lamictal, Topomax are being tested for use on children. Children with psychotic symptoms may be treated with Risperdal, Zyprexa, Mellaril, Trilafion, Haldol.