Review article

Pharmacology of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents

Maša Mitrović ; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a condition characterized by extreme behavioral and mood changes that affect adults as well as children and adolescents. Diagnosing pediatric BPD frequently presents a challenge for clinicians, due to a wide range of symptom expression, high rate of comorbid disorders, developmental differences which are not a factor adults and various diagnostic criteria. Pharmacological intervention has proven to be most effective in the treatment of BPD amongst children and adolescents. Evidence based on multiple research studies strongly supports the use of mood stabilizers and/or atypical antipsychotic agents depending on symptom presentation. However, adverse effects associated with these medications call for attentive care of young patients. Psychosocial methods are also reccomended as adjunctive treatment.

Keywords

atypical antipsychotics; bipolar disorder; children and adolescents; diagnostics; mood stabilizers; pharmacotherapy

Hrčak ID:

353443

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/353443

Publication date:

20.12.2024.

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