J P Horrigan1, L J Barnhill. 1. Division of Child Psychiatry, UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill 27599-7160, USA. jhorrigan@css.unc.edu
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Guanfacine hydrochloride is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, which has gained recent attention in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry. This medication has been described as effective in the management of attention-deficit hyperactivity and tic disorders, with minimal side effects. METHODS: Presented here are five cases of behavioral activation in children treated with guanfacine. RESULTS: In each instance the clinical presentation resembled an acute hypomanic or manic episode. The dose of guanfacine was 0.5 mg/day. Later investigation revealed that all of the youngsters had clear risk factors (clinical and/or familial) for bipolar disorder. CONCLUSIONS: It appears as though guanfacine may be capable of precipitating secondary mania in vulnerable children.
INTRODUCTION:Guanfacine hydrochloride is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, which has gained recent attention in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry. This medication has been described as effective in the management of attention-deficit hyperactivity and tic disorders, with minimal side effects. METHODS: Presented here are five cases of behavioral activation in children treated with guanfacine. RESULTS: In each instance the clinical presentation resembled an acute hypomanic or manic episode. The dose of guanfacine was 0.5 mg/day. Later investigation revealed that all of the youngsters had clear risk factors (clinical and/or familial) for bipolar disorder. CONCLUSIONS: It appears as though guanfacine may be capable of precipitating secondary mania in vulnerable children.
Authors: Robert L Findling; Shawn A Candler; Azmi F Nasser; Stefan Schwabe; Chungping Yu; Jennie Garcia-Olivares; Welton O'Neal; Jeffrey H Newcorn Journal: CNS Drugs Date: 2021-05-18 Impact factor: 5.749