BACKGROUND: Clozapine may be effective in adults and adolescents with treatment-resistant bipolar disorder. Olanzapine has a receptor affinity profile similar to that of clozapine. METHODS: The responses of seven consecutive adolescents (ages 12-17) with DSM-IV bipolar disorder, manic episode, treated with olanzapine were evaluated. Response to olanzapine was rated as marked, moderate, minimal, none or worse. RESULTS: Five (71%) adolescents showed a marked or moderate response. The mean+/-SD olanzapine dose was 0.146+/-0.086 mg/kg/day (11+/-6 mg/day). CONCLUSION: Olanzapine may have antimanic effects in some adolescents with acute mania. Controlled studies of olanzapine in adolescent bipolar disorder appear to be warranted.
BACKGROUND:Clozapine may be effective in adults and adolescents with treatment-resistant bipolar disorder. Olanzapine has a receptor affinity profile similar to that of clozapine. METHODS: The responses of seven consecutive adolescents (ages 12-17) with DSM-IV bipolar disorder, manic episode, treated with olanzapine were evaluated. Response to olanzapine was rated as marked, moderate, minimal, none or worse. RESULTS: Five (71%) adolescents showed a marked or moderate response. The mean+/-SD olanzapine dose was 0.146+/-0.086 mg/kg/day (11+/-6 mg/day). CONCLUSION:Olanzapine may have antimanic effects in some adolescents with acute mania. Controlled studies of olanzapine in adolescent bipolar disorder appear to be warranted.