Weitzel, Cathy A. RN Magazine (2000) (full text).

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a potentially lethal side effect of antipsychotic medications. Parents need to know the warning signs.

Antipsychotic medications in the neuroleptic group (including Abilify, Clozaril, Geodon, Haldol, Risperdal, Seroquel, Thorazine, and Zyprexa) are often used to treat symptoms such as psychosis and severe aggression that may occur in patients with a variety of psychiatric conditions including bipolar disorder. Children taking these medications must be regularly monitored for development of side effects that appear in the face and body and how the child walks (gait). These include Parkinsonism, tardive dyskinesia, and akathesia. Parents may notice these side effects in their children. If so, the child's doctor should be notified immediately.

This is a broad discussion of the medications and non-medication treatments recommended for the bipolar disorder in children and adolescents.  Reprinted with permission of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Lipincott Williams & Wilkins, publishers.

1. Abstract, including:
   Introduction and Historical Review
   Diagnosis
2. Treatment
3. Practice Parameters
4. References