Bipolar Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Bipolar, including details on bipolar disorder, symptoms, treatment, depression, medication.

Diagnosis and management of childhood bipolar disorder in the primary care setting.

Faust DS, Walker D, Sands M

Department of Psychology, Children's Hospital, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA.

Early-onset bipolar disorder (BD) is often misdiagnosed and inadequately treated because of the varying constellation of symptoms that occur across different developmental stages, the variety of disorders with similar presentation, and the frequent comorbidities. The etiology of BD is complex, but research confirms the major role that genetics and environment play in its development. The pediatrician initially identifies most cases, with subsequent referral to mental health providers. A complex case involving a child initially diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and later found to have comorbid childhood BD is considered, illustrating diagnostic considerations and appropriate behavioral and psychopharmacological intervention.

Published 16 October 2006 in Clin Pediatr (Phila), 45(9): 801-8.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Bipolar Research Today. All Rights Reserved.