University of Illinois at Chicago is performing a national study to assess the benefits of lithium in treating children and adolescents with bipolar disorders.

Lithium is already proven to be effective in the treatment of adults suffering from bipolar disorders. This study will help in determining if Lithium has the same beneficial effect on pediatric patients.

The study involves evaluating efficiency of the drug, its dosage strategies, and the short-term and long-term tolerance and safety of the drug.
Bipolar disorder in children is usually referred as the pediatric bipolar disorder or manic depressive disorder. It is diagnosed when severe mood swings are noticed in a child.

The disorder hampers the normal behavior of the child and may give rise to suicidal tendencies. A child suffering from this disorder may exhibit poor school attendance and might show risk-taking behavior, such as substance abuse and involvement in risky sexual activities.

Source: University of Illinois at Chicago