Ziprasidone in Pediatric Bipolar Disorder

This study will enroll approximately 60 children and adolescents aged 10-17 years who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Their participation will last about 8 weeks (2 weeks of screening and 6 weeks of medication management) and enrollment will last for two years. After the screening period, all subjects who meet inclusion/exclusion criteria will be randomized to either rapid or slow dose titration of ziprasidone. Subjects in the rapid titration group will reach their maximum dose of study drug over 2 weeks, subjects in the slow titration group over 4 weeks. The study doctor may deviate from the dosing schedule if clinically indicated. The primary data analysis of this pilot study will examine the effect of rapid- versus slow-dose titration of ziprasidone on manic symptoms.