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Bipolar affective disorder in adolescence: a 10-year study
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|March 1, 1987
Summary
Bipolar affective disorder in adolescents shows a better prognosis than previously thought, often linked to early diagnosis and comprehensive care. This study highlights key symptoms and effective management strategies for improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Adolescent Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Bipolar affective disorder (BAD) in adolescents presents unique diagnostic challenges.
- Understanding antecedent symptomatology is crucial for early identification.
- Previous beliefs suggested a poorer prognosis for adolescent-onset BAD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the diagnostic features of bipolar affective disorder in adolescent patients.
- To document antecedent symptomatology and signs associated with the disorder.
- To evaluate the prognosis and management of adolescent bipolar disorder.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study design was employed over a 10-year period.
- Diagnosis was based on DSM-III criteria for 30 adolescent subjects.
- Review of antecedent symptomatology, signs, and treatment approaches was conducted.
Main Results:
- Common features included schizophreniform phenomenology, motoric/vegetative changes, and suicidal behavior.
- A stormy first year of illness and positive family history were frequently observed.
- Loss was a common precipitant for the first episode.
Conclusions:
- Early recognition and multidisciplinary management, including lithium, appear to improve prognosis.
- The prognosis for adolescent bipolar affective disorder may be better than previously assumed.
- Timely intervention is key to better outcomes in adolescent BAD.