Aripiprazole is a medication used to treat various mental health conditions in children and adolescents. Here are some of the conditions that aripiprazole may be used to treat:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders: Aripiprazole can help reduce irritability, aggression, and self-injurious behaviors in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. It is often used as a second-line treatment when other medications or behavioral therapies are ineffective.
- Bipolar Disorder: Aripiprazole can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for children and adolescents with bipolar disorder. It can help to reduce manic or hypomanic symptoms, such as feeling very happy, having lots of energy, or not sleeping.
- Schizophrenia: Aripiprazole is one of several medications used to treat schizophrenia in children and adolescents. It can help reduce symptoms such as hearing voices, seeing things that are not there, or feeling paranoid.
- Tourette’s Syndrome: Aripiprazole can treat the tics and other symptoms associated with Tourette’s Syndrome in children and adolescents.
Aripiprazole should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, who can monitor for potential side effects and adjust the dosage as needed. If you have questions about whether aripiprazole may be right for your child, talk to your child’s doctor or mental health provider.
This post was originally published on April 30, 2023. It was updated on Dec. 16, 2023.