Anxiety disorders comorbidity in pediatric bipolar disorder: a meta-analysis and meta-regression study

Anxiety disorders (AD) are known for its comorbidity and negative impact on the course of adult bipolar disorder (BD). However, there is limited research on AD comorbidity in pediatric BD (PBD). Here, we aimed to conduct a meta-analysis and meta-regression study about the comorbidity and covariates of AD and PBD.

We systematically searched relevant articles published until May 2019, as defined in PRISMA guidelines. Variables for associated features and prevalence of AD were extracted.

Thirty-seven articles represented data for the analysis. Lifetime any AD comorbidity was 44.7%; panic disorder (PD) was 12.7%; generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) was 27.4%; social phobia was 20.1%; separation anxiety disorder (SAD) was 26.1%; and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) was 16.7%. Childhood-onset studies reported higher GAD and SAD comorbidity, while adolescent-onset studies reported higher PD, OCD, and social phobia. Age of onset, gender, comorbidity of ADHD, substance use, oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder affected each anxiety disorders' comorbidity with PBD differently.

Anxiety disorders are highly comorbid with PBD. Early-onset PBD increases the risk of AD. Biopsychosocial aspects of this comorbidity and its course needs to be evaluated further.