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Atypical Antipsychotics for Acute Manic and Mixed Episodes in Children and Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder

Efficacy and Tolerability

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Abstract

The diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD) in children is increasing, and often requires a comprehensive treatment plan to address a complex array of symptoms and associated morbidities. Pharmacotherapy, in combination with psychotherapeutic interventions, is essential for the treatment and stabilization of disrupted mood. Current evidence collectively demonstrates, by randomized controlled design, that atypical antipsychotics have efficacy for the treatment of acute manic or mixed symptoms in children and adolescents with BD. Additional longitudinal and biological studies are warranted to characterize the effects of atypical antipsychotics on all phases and stages of bipolar illness development in children and adolescents.

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Acknowledgements

Dr Singh has no conflicts of interest to disclose. Dr Ketter has received grant/research support from Abbott, AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cephalon, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Repligen and Wyeth; consulting fees from Abbott, AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Organon, Solvay, Valeant, Vanda, Wyeth and XenoPort; and lecture honoraria from Abbott, AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Noven, Otsuka and Pfizer. Dr Chang is a consultant for GlaxoSmithKline, Eli Lilly and Company, and Bristol-Myers Squibb; receives research support from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly and Company, GlaxoSmithKline, National Institute of Mental Health, and National Alliance for Research in Schizophrenia and Depression; and serves on the Speakers Bureau for Bristol-Myers Squibb and Eli Lilly and Company.

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Correspondence to Manpreet K. Singh.

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Singh, M.K., Ketter, T.A. & Chang, K.D. Atypical Antipsychotics for Acute Manic and Mixed Episodes in Children and Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder. Drugs 70, 433–442 (2010). https://doi.org/10.2165/11534540-000000000-00000

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