Olanzapine in the treatment of adolescent acute mania: a report of seven cases

Background: Clozapine may be effective in adults and adolescents with treat ment-resistant bipolar disorder. Olanzapine has a receptor affinity profile similar to that of clozapine. Methods: The responses of seven consecutive adolescents (ages 12-17) with DSM-IV bipolar disorder, manic episode, treat ed with olanzapine were evaluated. Response to olanzapine was rated as mark ed, moderate, minimal, none or worse. Results: Five (71%) adolescents showe d a marked or moderate response. The mean +/- SD olanzapine dose was 0.146 +/- 0.086 mg/kg/day (11 +/- 6 mg/day). Conclusion: Olanzapine may have anti manic effects in some adolescents with acute mania. Controlled studies of o lanzapine in adolescent bipolar disorder appear to be warranted. (C) 1999 E lsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.