Possible Interventions for At-Risk Children in Addition to Family Focused Therapy
October 24, 2013 · Posted in Current Treatments, Potential Treatments
Our editor Robert M. Post recommends that in the absence of good care in the community for children at high risk for bipolar disorder because a parent has the disorder, adult psychiatrists of parents with bipolar disorder who have children with the disorder should fill this gap by treating the children themselves. If the child has only early symptoms, family focused therapy as developed by David Miklowitz would be recommended.
Here are some other suggestions in addition to family focused therapy:
- Good Diet, Exercise, Sleep Hygiene
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Check Vitamin D3 levels and Add Supplement if Needed
- Melatonin for Insomnia
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for Irritability (as in studies of children with autism spectrum disorders)
- Folate for Depression and/or Elevated Homocysteine
- Check for Evidence of Inflammation (Increased IL-6 or CRP)
Options with Some Side Effects:
- Minocycline (an anti-inflammatory neuroprotective antibiotic)
