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Adolescent bipolar illness and personality disorder
S P Kutcher1, P Marton, M Korenblum
1Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Medical Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Adolescent bipolar disorder may co-occur with personality disorders, particularly borderline personality disorder (BPD). This comorbidity is linked to poorer treatment response, highlighting the need for further research in adolescent bipolar illness.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- The co-occurrence of bipolar illness and personality disorders in adolescents is understudied.
- Research on adults suggests a link between bipolar illness and borderline personality disorder (BPD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of personality disorders in euthymic adolescents with bipolar illness.
- To explore the clinical characteristics associated with comorbid personality disorders in this population.
Main Methods:
- Twenty euthymic adolescents diagnosed with bipolar illness were assessed.
- The Personality Disorders Examination was used to evaluate for personality disorders based on DSM-III-R criteria.
Main Results:
- 35% of adolescents met criteria for at least one personality disorder.
- 15% of adolescents received a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD).
- Adolescents with comorbid personality disorders showed significantly increased lithium unresponsiveness and neuroleptic treatment needs.
Conclusions:
- Personality disorders are relatively common in adolescents with bipolar illness.
- Comorbidity with personality disorders is associated with poorer treatment outcomes in adolescent bipolar illness.
- Further research is needed to understand and manage personality disorders in adolescent bipolar patients.