[Adolescent manic-depressive disorders: Clinical aspects]

More than 50% of bipolar disorders diagnosed among adults first appeared before the age of 18. It is well established that adolescence is the high-risk period for the onset of major mood episodes associated with bipolar disorders. Even though there are few early-onset bipolar disorders, they are very severe. The most robust risk factor predicting bipolar disorder is a positive family history. Morbidity, mortality, and suicidality are high and have a severe impact on overall functioning, professional integration, family life, and affective relationships. Improving diagnosis of early symptoms should ameliorate these patients' prognosis.