PRACTICE PARAMETERS FOR THE ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER

These practice parameters describe the assessment and treatment of ear ly-onset bipolar disorder based on scientific evidence regarding diagn osis and effective treatment and on the current state of clinical prac tice. Given the paucity of research on bipolar disorder in children an d adolescents, many of the treatment recommendations are drawn from th e adult literature. Although the same diagnostic criteria are used as for adults, youth may differ with regard to the developmental presenta tion of symptoms and comorbid psychiatric disorders. Treatment involve s the combination of pharmacotherapy and adjunctive psychosocial inter ventions. Antimanic agents (primarily lithium or valproic acid) are th e mainstays of pharmacotherapy. The treatment focuses on (1) ameliorat ion of acute symptoms; (2) the prevention of relapse; (3) the reductio n of long-term morbidity; and (4) the promotion of long-term growth an d development. These parameters were approved by Council of the Americ an Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry on June 5, 1996.