title: Treatment of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: A Review.
abstract: AIM: To review the diagnosis and the pharmacologic and psychosocial interventions for pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD).  METHODS: A comprehensive literature review of studies discussing the diagnosis and treatment of PBD was conducted.  RESULTS: A context for understanding controversies and difficulties in the diagnosis of PBD is provided. An evidence-based assessment protocol for PBD is reviewed. The evidence for the following three categories of pharmacologic interventions are reviewed: Lithium, antiepileptics, and second generation antipsychotics. Algorithms for medication decisions are briefly reviewed. Existing psychosocial treatments and the evidence for those treatments are also reviewed.  CONCLUSION: Despite recent developments in understanding the phenomenology of PBD and in identifying pharmacologic and psychosocial interventions, critical gaps remain.
authors.affiliation: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
authors.forename: Jason J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Washburn
authors.forename: Amy E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: West
authors.forename: Jennifer A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Heil