Alternative treatments in pediatric bipolar disorder.
There has been growing interest in the use of complementary and alternative treatments in pediatric bipolar disorder (BPD). There are limited data, however, regarding the safety and efficacy of these treatments. This article discusses select complementary and alternative treatments that have been considered for use in pediatric BPD and/or depression, including omega-3-fatty acids, inositol, St. John's wort, SAMe, melatonin, lecithin, and acupuncture. Background information, reference to available adult and pediatric data, proposed mechanisms of action, dosing, side effects, and precautions of these treatments are included. Across the board, more research is necessary and warranted regarding the long-term safety and efficacy of available complementary and alternative treatments for the management of pediatric BPD.
Potter
Mona
M
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital, Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Moses
Alana
A
Wozniak
Janet
J
D026881:Acupuncture / Q000379:methods*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D020902:Hypericum; D007294:Inositol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D054709:Lecithins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008550:Melatonin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D054709:Lecithins; C468227:adenosyl-methionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D007294:Inositol; D014635:Valproic Acid; D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine; D008550:Melatonin