Guanfacine and secondary mania in 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.

Duke Scholars

Author Joseph Patrick Horrigan Psychiatry, Child & Family Mental Health & Community Psychia ...