May 2000 Vol. The high rate of relapse and suicide attempts in youth with BD makes effective treatment essential. Unfortunately, there are little controlled data available to guide treatment decisions.
Most available information is based upon case reports, retrospective studies or open studies.
Although mood stabilizers are the mainstay of treatment, there is increasing interest in the newer antipsychotics and anticonvulsant medications for the treatment of this disorder. Before prescribing these medications for children with BD, however, it is important for clinicians to be aware of the existing literature related to the use of these drugs in children and adolescents. There was significantly greater improvement with lithium than placebo in the treatment of both the BD and the substance dependence. Patients then were randomized to either divalproex or placebo. In another recent study, mood stabilizers for treatment in children and adolescents with BD were compared in a six-week open trial.