Complex and rapid-cycling in bipolar children and adolescents: a preliminary study.
26 subjects aged 7-18 years were studied. Diagnoses of bipolar disorders were established using the Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present Episode Version-1986 modified for DSM-III-R criteria and for rating the number and duration of manic and hypomanic episodes. Complex cycling patterns were observed. These included numerous brief episodes suggesting continuous rapid-cycling in 80.8% of cases. Mean age of onset was early (8.5 +/- 4.4 years). Psychotic phenomena, suicidality, hyperactivity and 'mixed mania' were highly prevalent. Data in this report provide support for complex and rapid-cycling patterns in childhood onset bipolar disorder.
Geller
B
B
Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Sun
K
K
Zimerman
B
B
Luby
J
J
Frazier
J
J
Williams
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010507:Periodicity; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D002666:Psychology, Child