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Bipolar disorder in youth

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Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York at Stony Brook, 11794-8790, Stony Brook, NY, USA

    Gabrielle A. Carlson MD

  2. Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    Stephanie E. Meyer MA

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  1. Gabrielle A. Carlson MD
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  2. Stephanie E. Meyer MA
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Carlson, G.A., Meyer, S.E. Bipolar disorder in youth. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2, 90–94 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-000-0051-1

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