Bipolar disorder in youth.
The debate regarding the possible existence of prepubertal bipolar illness has surfaced at various points in history. In its most recent incarnation, proponents of a childhood bipolar diagnosis argue that there is an early-onset form of bipolar illness that is highly comorbid and characterized by simultaneous irritability and depression. Others have suggested that childhood manic symptoms are more likely a nonspecific indicator of risk, or may be the result of symptom overlap with various other forms of childhood pathology. This article briefly reviews pertinent findings from epidemiologic, developmental, family, and treatment studies that shed light on the etiology, phenomenology, and developmental significance of manic symptoms in young people.
Carlson
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GA
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8790, USA. Gcarlson@mail.psychiatry.sunysb.edu
Meyer
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SE
D000293:Adolescent; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors
D000928:Antidepressive Agents