Les thymorégulateurs en psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent

The high prevalence of bipolar disorders in the United States has led to a considerable increase in prescription rates of mood stabilizers as well as atypical neuroleptics. Apart from antipsychotics, lithium is the only approved mood stabilizer both in France (after 16 years of age) and in the US (after 12 years of age). It is recommended to start with monotherapy for acute mania or mixed state. In the case of inadequate results, a mood stabilizer-antipsychotic combination may be necessary. Olanzapine-fluoxetine combination is approved for the treatment of pediatric bipolar depression. Further studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of mood stabilizers in acute and maintenance treatment of pediatric bipolar disorders, as well as in autistic spectrum and disruptive disorders.