Abstract
This study was designed to evaluate efficacy and tolerability of olanzapine as an adjunct therapy to mood stabilizers in the treatment of two adolescents with acute mania who were followed in our institution. Both cases were interviewed with Washington University Kiddie and Young Adult Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (WASH-U-KSADS). The first case had a manic episode, and the second case had a mixed episode. Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), electroencephalography (EEG) and laboratory tests were used to evaluate the efficacy and the tolerability of the treatment. Additionally, during follow up, Depression Inventory for Children (CDI) was used for the second case who had depressive symptoms. The first case was treated with lithium and olanzapine (10 mg per day) and the second case was treated with valproate and olanzapine (5 mg per day). There was a significant change (%63,6) from baseline in YMRS total score for the first case and there was a significant change from baseline in both YMRS total (%69,2) and CDI (%70,3) scores for the second case. A significant improvement in psychosocial functioning was observed in both cases. The only important side effect was weight gain. It has been suggested that atypical antipsychotics may be useful as an adjunct to mood stabilisers in bipolar disorder. However, further research is warranted regarding the use of atypical antipsychotics in children and adolescents.
Keywords: Bipolar disorder, adolescent, olanzapine
