Pharmacological Treatment of Teen Bipolar Disorder

1. At this time, there is no approved pharmacological treatment for bipolar disorder in adolescents. This does not mean that prescription medication is inappropriate - quite to the contrary. It does mean that studies are still underway in evaluating the medications for youth and have not yet yielded results that can be stated as prescriptive.
2. Experts in the field of treatment clearly support the use of mood stabilizers, with a combined treatment of lithium carbonate (Eskalith) and divalproex sodium (Depacote) often being cited as the preferred medication. Other drugs commonly used in the treatment of BP are antipsychotics, such as olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine fumarate (Seroquel), risperidone (Risperdal), and aripiprazole (Abilify).
3. Current open trials of lithium in children suggest efficacy rates of over 65%.
4. Adolescents using both lithium carbonate (Eskalith) and divalproex sodium (Depacote) have a high rate of relapse when either drug is withdrawn; i.e., both drugs are required for maintenance.
5. Medications used in the control of BP symptoms must be closely monitored due to their potentially harmful side effects, including the possibility of causing a manic episode.

• Psychotherapy Treatment of Teen Bipolar Disorder
  
• Choosing a Mental Health Professional For Teen Bipolar Disorder
  
• Resources & References for Bipolar Disorder