Adjunctive Topiramate Treatment for Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: a Retrospective Chart Review

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of the anticonvulsant agent, topiramate, as adjunctive treatment for children and adolescents with bipolar disorders.

Methods: The outpatient medical charts of children and adolescents with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) diagnosis of bipolar disorder, type I or II, and who were treated with topiramate were retrospectively reviewed by two child and adolescent psychiatrists using the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale and the Clinical Global Assessment Scale (CGAS). Separate CGI ratings were made for mania and overall bipolar illness.

Results: Twenty-six patients (mean age 14 +/- 3.5 years) with bipolar disorder, type I (n = 23) or II (n = 3), who had been treated (mean duration 4.1 +/- 6.1 months) with topiramate (mean dose 104 +/- 77 mg/day) were identified. Response rate (defined by a CGI-Improvement score of < or = 2 at endpoint) was 73% for mania and 62% for overall illness. CGAS scores significantly improved from baseline to endpoint. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions: Although controlled trials are necessary, this retrospective study suggests that topiramate is effective and well tolerated as an adjunctive treatment for children and adolescents with bipolar disorder.