Information regarding a study concerning the treatment of adolescents with bipolar disorder has been published as of August 19th. A group, headed by Professor David Miklowitz and his team at the University of Colorado at Boulder, have initial results concerning medication and family counseling and their effectiveness with this disorder. This biochemical imbalance in the brain affects approximately three million Americans with an initial episode occurring during the teen years. Often misdiagnosed since adolescence is known for extreme mood swings, they relate extreme irritability as a deciding factor in identifying the disorder.
Medication is the primary treatment, yet family counseling appears to help the adolescent and family manage stress and maintain good medication habits. A common occurance is not taking the medication or feeling that they don't need it.
Miklowitz has developed a number of effective approaches to educate families on how to manage bipolar disorder in this group as well as an earlier study that dealt with adult patients. In that case, proper administration of medication and family focused treatment resulted in fewer episodes and less frequent relapses than those on medication and other programs.
This is a continuing study and more details should be forthcoming. Be on the look out for any updates.
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