Lithium safe, effective for children with bipolar disorder

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-10/jhm-lse100915.php

Public Release: 12-Oct-2015
Lithium safe, effective for children with bipolar disorder
Study in young patients confirms value of short-term use; results on long-term use forthcoming
Johns Hopkins Medicine

Fast facts:

Drug of choice for adult bipolar disorder appears safe for kids too

Most definitive study to date shows short-term effectiveness, safety of lithium for pediatric bipolar disorder

Analyses now under way to affirm long-term safety of lithium for children

A multicenter study of young patients with bipolar disorder provides what may be the most scientifically rigorous demonstration to date that lithium -- a drug used successfully for decades to treat adults with the condition -- can also be safe and effective for children suffering from it.

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