Pharmacologic treatment of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents

Comparing self-reported quality of life in youth with bipolar versus other disorders

OBJECTIVES

This study benchmarks quality of life (QoL) of youth with bipolar disorder (BD) against healthy youth, youth with chronic medical conditions, and youth with other psychiatric disorders. The relative impacts of depressive, (hypo)manic, mixed, and externalizing symptoms on QoL are tested for youth with BD.

METHOD

In total, 657 youth completed the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for Children (KSADS), the KSADS depression and mania scales, the Parent General Behavior Inventory (PGBI), and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Youth-reported QoL was determined by the Revised Children Quality of Life Questionnaire (KINDL) and was compared to healthy youth, youth with chronic medical conditions, and youth with other psychiatric disorders.

RESULTS

Youth with BD reported poorer QoL overall and on most subscales compared to healthy youth, youth with chronic medical conditions, youth with behavior disorders, and youth with other non-behavior/non-mood disorders. QoL in youth with BD did not differ significantly from QoL in youth with unipolar depression. Parent-report and interview-rated depressive symptoms were associated with decreases in Total QoL and all QoL subscales except Family. Externalizing symptoms were associated with decreases in Family QoL and increases in Friend QoL, and (hypo)manic symptoms were associated with increases in Emotional Well-Being QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptoms may drive the decline in QoL causing youth with BD to rate their QoL worse than healthy youth, youth with chronic medical conditions, and youth with behavior disorders, but not worse than youth with unipolar depression.

Longitudinal course and risk factors associated with psychosis in bipolar youths

OBJECTIVES

To compare the longitudinal clinical course of youths with bipolar disorder (BD) spectrum with lifetime (past, intake, and/or follow-up) psychosis (BDP+) to youths with BD without lifetime psychosis (BDP-). Also, to identify risk factors associated with increased risk of first onset of psychosis during prospective follow-up.

METHOD

Bipolar disorder youths (BDP+ = 137, BDP- = 233), aged 7-17 years old, were followed on average every 7 months for 11.7 years and were evaluated using standardized instruments. Data were analyzed using linear and generalized linear models for the full sample, as well as for youths who developed first period of psychosis (n = 55).

RESULTS

After adjusting for confounders, BDP+ youths with one, and in particular ≥2 lifetime psychotic episodes, had higher rates and more severe mood and anxiety symptoms, higher rates of suicidality, psychiatric hospitalizations, and sexual/physical abuse, and poorer psychosocial functioning than BDP- youths. Even before the first onset of psychosis during follow-up, BDP+ youths showed more psychopathology and had more family history of psychiatric illness than those who never developed psychosis. First-onset psychosis was associated with low socioeconomic status (SES), living with one parent, bipolar disorder type one and type two, comorbid anxiety, history of hospitalizations, and family history of mania and suicidality.

CONCLUSION

BDP+ is associated with poor prognosis and worse clinical picture, even before the onset of psychosis, indicating the need for prompt identification and treatment of these youths. Studies aimed to treat acute symptoms of psychosis, as well as prevent the onset of psychosis, including risk factors amenable to change, are warranted.

Maintenance Pharmacological Treatment of Juvenile Bipolar Disorder: Review and Meta-Analyses

BACKGROUND

Guidelines for maintenance treatment of juvenile bipolar disorder rely heavily on evidence from adult studies and relatively brief trials in juveniles, leaving uncertainties about optimal long-term treatment. We aimed to systematically review long-term treatment trials for juvenile bipolar disorder.

METHODS

We analyzed data recovered by a systematic literature search using the PRISMA guidelines statement, through 2018, for peer-reviewed reports on pharmacological treatments for juvenile bipolar disorder lasting ≥24 weeks.

RESULTS

Of 13 reports with 16 trials of 9 treatments (18.8% were randomized and controlled), with 1773 subjects (94.4% BD-I; ages 6.9-15.1 years), lasting 11.7 (6-22) months. Pooled clinical response rates were 66.8% (CI: 64.4-69.1) with drugs vs 60.6% (53.0-66.7) in 3 placebo-control arms. Random-effects meta-analysis of 4 controlled trials yielded pooled odds ratio (OR) = 2.88 ([0.87-9.60], P = .08) for clinical response, and OR = 7.14 ([1.12-45.6], P = .04) for nonrecurrence. Apparent efficacy ranked: combined agents >anticonvulsants ≥lithium ≥antipsychotics. Factors favoring response ranked: more attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, polytherapy, randomized controlled trial design, nonrecurrence vs response. Adverse events (incidence, 5.50%-28.5%) notably included cognitive dulling, weight-gain, and gastrointestinal symptoms; early dropout rates averaged 49.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacological treatments, including anticonvulsants, lithium, and second-generation antipsychotics, may reduce long-term morbidity in juvenile bipolar disorder. However, study number, quality, and effect magnitude were limited, leaving the status of scientific support for maintenance treatment for juvenile bipolar disorder inconclusive.

Obesity in Adolescents with Psychiatric Disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This narrative review synthesized recent research related to obesity in adolescents with psychiatric disorders, with a focus on epidemiology, mechanisms, and weight management approaches. The paper reviews literature on depressive and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

Depression has a bidirectional relationship with obesity. Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and their treatments, increase the risk of developing obesity. Mechanisms underlying this weight gain include lifestyle and environmental factors and psychiatric medications, though emerging evidence has also suggested the role of genetic and neuroendocrine processes. Evidence about the most effective treatments for obesity in adolescents with psychiatric disorders remains limited. Adolescents with psychiatric disorders are at high risk for obesity. Close monitoring for increases in weight and cardiometabolic risk factors with use of antipsychotic and mood-stabilizing medications is recommended. Clinical trials are needed that test the efficacy of weight management strategies for this population.

The International Society for Bipolar Disorders Task Force report on pediatric bipolar disorder: Knowledge to date and directions for future research

OBJECTIVES

Over the past two decades, there has been tremendous growth in research regarding bipolar disorder (BD) among children and adolescents (ie, pediatric BD [PBD]). The primary purpose of this article is to distill the extant literature, dispel myths or exaggerated assertions in the field, and disseminate clinically relevant findings.

METHODS

An international group of experts completed a selective review of the literature, emphasizing areas of consensus, identifying limitations and gaps in the literature, and highlighting future directions to mitigate these gaps.

RESULTS

Substantial, and increasingly international, research has accumulated regarding the phenomenology, differential diagnosis, course, treatment, and neurobiology of PBD. Prior division around the role of irritability and of screening tools in diagnosis has largely abated. Gold-standard pharmacologic trials inform treatment of manic/mixed episodes, whereas fewer data address bipolar depression and maintenance/continuation treatment. Adjunctive psychosocial treatment provides a forum for psychoeducation and targets primarily depressive symptoms. Numerous neurocognitive and neuroimaging studies, and increasing peripheral biomarker studies, largely converge with prior findings from adults with BD.

CONCLUSIONS

As data have accumulated and controversy has dissipated, the field has moved past existential questions about PBD toward defining and pursuing pressing clinical and scientific priorities that remain. The overall body of evidence supports the position that perceptions about marked international (US vs elsewhere) and developmental (pediatric vs adult) differences have been overstated, although additional research on these topics is warranted. Traction toward improved outcomes will be supported by continued emphasis on pathophysiology and novel therapeutics.

Influence of socioeconomic status on antipsychotic prescriptions among youth in France

BACKGROUND

Recent studies analysing the trends in antipsychotic (AP) prescriptions for children and adolescents have raised concerns regarding the influence of socioeconomic status. Previous findings have also shown variable prescription rates for first-generation (FG) and second-generation (SG) APs.

METHOD

Our objectives were to assess the proportion of patients from low-income families receiving APs and the most commonly prescribed APs in France. We conducted a descriptive analysis of AP drugs dispensed during a 1-year period (July 1, 2013-June 30, 2014) in a northwestern region of France with 941,857 subjects less than 18 years old. All data were extracted from an exhaustive, individual and anonymous social security database. We obtained each subject's socioeconomic status (by identifying their affiliation with a specific social security program) and also collected sociodemographic data, drug type, prescribing and dispensing dates and amount, and prescriber type (e.g., hospital physician, general practitioner, psychiatrist, paediatrician).

RESULTS

There were two main novel findings. First, we found that the proportion of patients with AP prescriptions was nearly ten times higher in low-income families than in the general population: 35.9% of CMU-C patients compared to 3.7% in all of Pays de la Loire (X ² = 7875.1, p < 0.001). Additionally, we found a higher rate of FGAP than SGAP prescriptions (65% vs. 57%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests two types of AP misuse that could provide interesting targets for public healthcare interventions. First, our results strongly suggest an over-representation of patients from low-income families. Low-income families primarily resided in areas with low physician density and appeared to receive drugs to treat their conditions more frequently than other individuals. This increased prescription rate is a public health issue, potentially requiring political action. Second, the use of FGAPs did not adhere to the latest recommendations for drug use in this population, and this discrepancy should be addressed with informational campaigns targeted to medical practitioners.

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for mood disorders

OBJECTIVES

To provide guidance for the management of mood disorders, based on scientific evidence supplemented by expert clinical consensus and formulate recommendations to maximise clinical salience and utility.

METHODS

Articles and information sourced from search engines including PubMed and EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Google Scholar were supplemented by literature known to the mood disorders committee (MDC) (e.g., books, book chapters and government reports) and from published depression and bipolar disorder guidelines. Information was reviewed and discussed by members of the MDC and findings were then formulated into consensus-based recommendations and clinical guidance. The guidelines were subjected to rigorous successive consultation and external review involving: expert and clinical advisors, the public, key stakeholders, professional bodies and specialist groups with interest in mood disorders.

RESULTS

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for mood disorders (Mood Disorders CPG) provide up-to-date guidance and advice regarding the management of mood disorders that is informed by evidence and clinical experience. The Mood Disorders CPG is intended for clinical use by psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians and others with an interest in mental health care.

CONCLUSIONS

The Mood Disorder CPG is the first Clinical Practice Guideline to address both depressive and bipolar disorders. It provides up-to-date recommendations and guidance within an evidence-based framework, supplemented by expert clinical consensus.

MOOD DISORDERS COMMITTEE

Professor Gin Malhi (Chair), Professor Darryl Bassett, Professor Philip Boyce, Professor Richard Bryant, Professor Paul Fitzgerald, Dr Kristina Fritz, Professor Malcolm Hopwood, Dr Bill Lyndon, Professor Roger Mulder, Professor Greg Murray, Professor Richard Porter and Associate Professor Ajeet Singh.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERT ADVISORS

Professor Carlo Altamura, Dr Francesco Colom, Professor Mark George, Professor Guy Goodwin, Professor Roger McIntyre, Dr Roger Ng, Professor John O'Brien, Professor Harold Sackeim, Professor Jan Scott, Dr Nobuhiro Sugiyama, Professor Eduard Vieta, Professor Lakshmi Yatham.

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND EXPERT ADVISORS

Professor Marie-Paule Austin, Professor Michael Berk, Dr Yulisha Byrow, Professor Helen Christensen, Dr Nick De Felice, A/Professor Seetal Dodd, A/Professor Megan Galbally, Dr Josh Geffen, Professor Philip Hazell, A/Professor David Horgan, A/Professor Felice Jacka, Professor Gordon Johnson, Professor Anthony Jorm, Dr Jon-Paul Khoo, Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, Dr Cameron Lacey, Dr Noeline Latt, Professor Florence Levy, A/Professor Andrew Lewis, Professor Colleen Loo, Dr Thomas Mayze, Dr Linton Meagher, Professor Philip Mitchell, Professor Daniel O'Connor, Dr Nick O'Connor, Dr Tim Outhred, Dr Mark Rowe, Dr Narelle Shadbolt, Dr Martien Snellen, Professor John Tiller, Dr Bill Watkins, Dr Raymond Wu.

Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder Predispose Youth to Accelerated Atherosclerosis and Early Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

In the 2011 "Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents," several medical conditions among youth were identified that predispose to accelerated atherosclerosis and early cardiovascular disease (CVD), and risk stratification and management strategies for youth with these conditions were elaborated. Major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) among youth satisfy the criteria set for, and therefore merit inclusion among, Expert Panel tier II moderate-risk conditions. The combined prevalence of MDD and BD among adolescents in the United States is ≈10%, at least 10 times greater than the prevalence of the existing moderate-risk conditions combined. The high prevalence of MDD and BD underscores the importance of positioning these diseases alongside other pediatric diseases previously identified as moderate risk for CVD. The overall objective of this statement is to increase awareness and recognition of MDD and BD among youth as moderate-risk conditions for early CVD. To achieve this objective, the primary specific aims of this statement are to (1) summarize evidence that MDD and BD are tier II moderate-risk conditions associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and early CVD and (2) position MDD and BD as tier II moderate-risk conditions that require the application of risk stratification and management strategies in accordance with Expert Panel recommendations. In this scientific statement, there is an integration of the various factors that putatively underlie the association of MDD and BD with CVD, including pathophysiological mechanisms, traditional CVD risk factors, behavioral and environmental factors, and psychiatric medications.

Psychosocial interventions in the treatment of youth diagnosed or at high-risk for pediatric bipolar disorder: A review of the literature

Pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) has emerged as a research field in which psychosocial treatments have provided a plethora of empirical findings over the last decade. We addressed this issue through a systematic review aimed of establishing their effectiveness and feasibility as adjunctive therapies for youth with PBD or at high-risk for PBD. A comprehensive search of databases was performed between 1990 and September 2014. Overall, 33 studies were specifically related to the issue and 20 of them were original articles. Evidence suggests that both "multi-family psychoeducational psychotherapy' and "family-focused therapy" are possible effective treatments for PBD. Likewise, "child and family-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy" may be characterized as a treatment in its experimental phase. The remaining therapies fail to obtain enough empirical support due to inconsistent findings among clinical trials or data solely based on case reports. Studies of psychosocial treatments provide concluding results concerning their feasibility and acceptability. Larger sample sizes and more randomized controlled trials are mandatory for diminishing methodological shortcomings encountered in the treatments displayed.

Child- and family-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy for pediatric bipolar disorder: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have found that family-based psychosocial treatments are effective adjuncts to pharmacotherapy among adults and adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD). The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of adjunctive child- and family-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CFF-CBT) to psychotherapy as usual (control) for mood symptom severity and global functioning in children with BD.

METHOD

Sixty-nine youth, aged 7 to 13 years (mean = 9.19, SD = 1.61) with DSM-IV-TR bipolar I, II, or not otherwise specified (NOS) disorder were randomly assigned to CFF-CBT or control groups. Both treatments consisted of 12 weekly sessions followed by 6 monthly booster sessions delivered over a total of 9 months. Independent evaluators assessed participants at baseline, week 4, week 8, week 12 (posttreatment), and week 39 (6-month follow-up).

RESULTS

Participants in CFF-CBT attended more sessions, were less likely to drop out, and reported greater satisfaction with treatment than controls. CFF-CBT demonstrated efficacy compared to the control treatment in reducing parent-reported mania at posttreatment and depression symptoms at posttreatment and follow-up. Global functioning did not differ at posttreatment but was higher among CFF-CBT participants at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

CFF-CBT may be efficacious in reducing acute mood symptoms and improving long-term psychosocial functioning among children with BD.

Clinical characteristics associated with lithium use among adolescents with bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVE

Little is known regarding demographic and/or clinical characteristics associated with the use of lithium among adolescents with bipolar disorder (BP) in naturalistic clinical settings. We therefore examined factors associated with lithium among adolescents with BP presenting to a tertiary outpatient clinic.

METHODS

Participants were 100 adolescents 13-19 years of age, with BP-I, BP-II, or BP not otherwise specified (BP-NOS). Diagnoses and lifetime medication exposure were determined using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children, Present and Lifetime Version (KSADS-PL). Analyses examined for demographic and clinical correlates of lifetime lithium exposure.

RESULTS

Twenty percent of participants reported lifetime lithium use. Participants with, versus those without, lifetime lithium use were significantly older and significantly more likely to have BP-I, lifetime history of psychiatric hospitalization, and psychosis. Lithium-treated participants were significantly more likely to report use of second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) and antimanic anticonvulsants. In contrast, participants with lithium exposure were significantly less likely to have BP-II, self-injurious behavior, and a family history of depression. Adolescents with lithium exposure had significantly less parent-reported family conflict and mood lability, and significantly less self-reported impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, identity confusion, and interpersonal problems. In multivariable analyses, lithium use was associated with greater lifetime SGA use, lower parent-reported family conflict, and lower adolescent-reported interpersonal problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Lithium was infrequently used among adolescents with BP in this sample. Although constrained by retrospective methodology and a single site, our findings suggest that clinicians may be deferring lithium use until late in treatment. The fact that there are lower rates of lithium use among adolescents with suicidal ideation, impulsivity, mood lability, and family history of depression suggests potential missed opportunities for use of lithium among high-risk adolescents with BP.

Antipsychotics use in children and adolescents: An on-going challenge in clinical practice

Antipsychotic medications (APs) are a well-established pharmacological treatment in adults with serious mental health problems. However, many adult mental health disorders have their origins and onset in childhood or adolescence. The understanding that neuropsychiatric conditions of childhood are in part biologically determined, led to an increase in the number of clinical trials supporting evidence on the efficacy of antipsychotic agents as first-line treatment for childhood psychotic disorders and therapeutic augmentation of nonpsychotic conditions. In recent years the use of antipsychotics in children and adolescents for neurodevelopmental, behavioural and psychiatric disorders has significantly increased while the age of prescription has decreased. These trends have not been matched by advances in the understanding of APs' safety profile in this group of patients. It is therefore crucial that current and future practice is informed by up-to-date synthesis of the evidence and clinical guidelines about the use and monitoring of these treatments in paediatric populations, since the effectiveness of early therapeutic interventions in children can affect positively the long-term outcome.

Magnetic seizure therapy in an adolescent with refractory bipolar depression: a case report

Magnetic seizure therapy (MST) has shown efficacy in adult patients with treatment-resistant depression with limited impairment in memory. To date, the use of MST in adolescent depression has not been reported. Here we describe the first successful use of MST in the treatment of an adolescent patient with refractory bipolar depression. This patient received MST in an ongoing open-label study for treatment-resistant major depression. Treatments employed a twin-coil MST apparatus, with the center of each coil placed over the frontal cortex (ie, each coil centered over F3 and F4). MST was applied at 100 Hz and 100% machine output at progressively increasing train durations. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and cognitive function was assessed with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. This adolescent patient achieved full remission of clinical symptoms after an acute course of 18 MST treatments and had no apparent cognitive decline, other than some autobiographical memory impairment that may or may not be related to the MST treatment. This case report suggests that MST may be a safe and well tolerated intervention for adolescents with treatment-resistant bipolar depression. Pilot studies to further evaluate the effectiveness and safety of MST in adolescents warrant consideration.

Future directions for research on youth with bipolar spectrum disorders

The past 25 years has witnessed significant advances in our knowledge of Bipolar Spectrum Disorders (BPSD) in youth. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies are clarifying the unique features of its pediatric presentation, including continuities and discontinuities across the spectrum of severity. Advances have been made, both in the pharmacological and psychological management of BPSD in youth. Current investigations may ultimately shed light on new treatment strategies. Future research is anticipated to be influenced by NIMH's Research Domain Criteria (RDoC). With this article, we summarize what is currently known about the basic phenomenology of pediatric BPSD, its clinical course, assessment and treatment, beginning with a summary of the major studies that have shed light on the topic. Next, we present a tally and content review of current research as an indicator of trends for the future. Then, we describe what we believe are important future directions for research. Finally, we conclude with implications for contemporary clinicians and researchers.

The comorbidity of ADHD and bipolar disorder: any less confusion?

The clinical confusion surrounding childhood ADHD and bipolar disorder centers on overlaps between severe ADHD with mood lability and mania/hypomania. Perplexity has been exacerbated by the removal of mood symptoms from the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and a lack of stringent criteria for a manic/hypomanic episode. This review summarizes current knowledge of the relationship between ADHD and bipolar disorder, the rates with which ADHD and bipolar disorder coexist in youth of differing ages, their presence in community, clinical, and high risk samples, and their longitudinal course. Treatment studies are reviewed, highlighting findings in comorbid cases, which support the efficacy of stimulants and other agents for ADHD without worsening mood symptoms, and efficacy of second generation antipsychotics for bipolar disorder. In conclusion, a lack of clarity regarding the diagnostic boundaries between childhood ADHD and bipolar disorder remains, however, treatments targeting symptoms of each disorder when comorbid, provide some efficacy.