Case Study:
As a healthcare provider, you are seen a 12-year-old boy, Joe, who presents to the clinic with his mother. His mother is anxious and troubled and states Joe has been exhibiting signs of increased energy without the need for sleep, and she reports that he has been extremely irritable, talking rapidly and often changes topics quickly, which is not normal for him.
His mom states that her friend's child is also "having trouble" and was started on Prozac, and is wondering if this might be a helpful treatment for Joe. As the provider you are concerned about a first episode of mania or hypomania and a possible bipolar diagnosis.
Questions:
Q1. How would you sensitively explain a possible bipolar diagnosis to Joe's mother in "layman's terms?"
Q2. How would you recommend screening and monitoring the symptoms of bipolar in a pediatric patient? How might Joe's mom be able to help with this?
Q3. After confirming a bipolar diagnosis, what pharmacological treatments would you recommend? How would you address her questions about starting Joe on fluoxetine?
Q4. What non-pharmacological treatments might be helpful?