Family conflict moderates response to pharmacological intervention in pediatric bipolar disorder

Family conflict affects the expression of psychopathology in youth. This study investigated whether family conflict moderates response to medication in youth with bipolar disorder.

Youth ages 5-17 years diagnosed with bipolar I or II disorder were recruited from a trial of combination therapy with divalproex and lithium. Mania and depression were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R). Parents completed the Family Assessment Device (FAD). Ordinary least-squares regression evaluated whether family conflict contributed to YMRS/CDRS-R outcomes controlling for severity of baseline mood.

In 55 youths, the model examining family conflict and CDRS-R outcomes showed that family conflict variables accounted for 10% of the variance in CDRS-R scores after 8 weeks of treatment. The final model was statistically significant. The FAD Problem Solving subscale was the only uniquely significant predictor of CDRS-R scores after 8 weeks of treatment. Family conflict did not predict YMRS outcomes.

There is a significant relationship between family problem solving and depressive symptoms that persist despite pharmacotherapy. Although depression severity was mild at baseline, it persisted despite pharmacological treatment in youths whose families endorsed higher levels of conflict.