Clinical features of children with both ADHD and mania: does ascertainment source make a difference?
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the structural diagnostic results of children ascertained through an ADHD diagnosis with comorbid mania to determine if they have the same phenotype as children ascertained through a mania diagnosis with comorbid ADHD.


METHODS
We compared a sample of children participating in a family genetic study of ADHD to a sample of children ascertained through a study of childhood mania.


RESULTS
Similar correlates of ADHD and mania were observed in children satisfying criteria for both disorders irrespective of ascertainment source.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that children with mania and ADHD have two disorders, their features not varying with the primary diagnostic focus.


CONCLUSIONS
The results may have been limited by small sample size.


CONCLUSIONS
Because the coexistence of ADHD and mania seriously complicates the course and treatment of children, understanding the compatibility of these disorders has important clinical implications in the management of this population.
Biederman
J
J
Pediatric Psychopharmacology Unit of the Child Psychiatry Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA.
Russell
R
R
Soriano
J
J
Wozniak
J
J
Faraone
S V
SV
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D012307:Risk Factors