James Bishop is becoming one of my favorite mental health bloggers, and that’s not just because he displays the picture of a (smiling?) camel on his “about” page. James consistently writes quality articles on depression and bipolar disorder, and is working on a “health diary” software program to help people track their moods and health. (more…)

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U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Risperdal (risperidone) for treating schizophrenia in teenagers ages 13 to 17 and for treating short-term mania or mixed episodes of bipolar disorder type I in children and teens. Currently there are no FDA approved medications for treating schizophrenia in children. Up until now, Lithium was the only drug approved for treating bipolar disorder in adolescents from age 12. Risperdal is currently approved for treating schizophrenia in adults, as well as treating short term mania or mixed episodes in adults with bipolar disorder type I. Risperdal is also approved for treating irritability associated with autistic disorder in children and teens. Common side effects with Risperdal include drowsiness, fatigue, increase in appetite, anxiety, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, tremor, and rash. Source: FDA.

Wall Street Journal’s Health Blog has an interview about this approval.