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Practice Parameters for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Bipolar Disorder

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These practice parameters describe the assessment and treatment of early-onset bipolar disorder based on scientific evidence regarding diagnosis and effective treatment and on the current state of clinical practice. Given the paucity of research on bipolar disorder in children and adolescents, many of the treatment recommendations are drawn from the adult literature. Although the same diagnostic criteria are used as for adults, youth may differ with regard to the developmental presentation of symptoms and comorbid psychiatric disorders. Treatment involves the combination of pharmacotherapy and adjunctive psychosocial interventions. Antimanic agents (primarily lithium or valproic acid) are the mainstays of pharmacotherapy. The treatment focuses on (1) amelioration of acute symptoms; (2) the prevention of relapse; (3) the reduction of long-term morbidity; and (4) the promotion of long-term growth and development. These parameters were previously published in …

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  • Cited by (0)

    These parameters were developed by Jon McClellan, M.D., and John S. Werry, M.D., principal authors, and the Work Group on Quality Issues: William Ayres, M.D., and John Dunne, M.D., Chairs; Members: Elissa Benedek, M.D., Gail Bernstein, M.D., Richard L. Gross, M.D., Robert King, M.D., Henrietta Leonard, M.D., and William Licamele, M.D. AACAP Staff: Mary Graham, Leslie Seigle, Carolyn A. Heier, Michelle E. Wright, and Diane Wiegand, R.N. A draft of these parameters was distributed to the entire AACAP membership for comments. The parameters were approved by the AACAP Council on July 22, 1996.

    Reprint requests to AACAP Communications Department, 3615 Wisconsin Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20016.

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