Mania and hypomania induced by antidepressants in children and adolescents. Bibliographic review

Abstract

Children are more prone to adverse effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors than adults. The aim of this study is to review the bibliography on mania and hypomania induced by these antidepressants. Most of the young people diagnosed with bipolar disorder had been exposed to this type of drug. The hypomania associated with these antidepressants in children with anxiety disorders is as relevant as that of those who had previously received a diagnosis of depression. As a limitation, in the selected papers, the activation syndrome could or could not include (hypo) mania. When indicating an antidepressant, we must be extremely prudent and place special emphasis on the risk-benefit analysis. It is essential to conduct a thorough search of family history of bipolar disorder together with a personal history investigation and a meticulous analysis of the semiology of our patients due to the risks of (hypo) mania.