Lamictal is considered a mainstream medication, but it works best on the depressive end of BiPolar (BP). Lithium is good for mixed episodes of mania and depression. Depakote is best for mania (not depression). So it really depends on what the psychiatrist sees and is trying to medicate that should determine the medication choice.
None of these mood stabilizers will touch psychosis. An atypical antipsychotic is needed to treat hallucinations. Invega is a new atypical antipsychotic that is simply long-acting Risperdal. FWIW, a couple of families on the BiPolar (BP) listserv I co-moderate tried it and found it activated their children (I'm sure NOT what you want to hear). They ended up going back to Risperdal.
T, I'm so sorry K is still doing poorly. Hugs to both K and you.
