[Manic-depressive psychoses in adolescence. Influence of life change events. Study of family dynamics]

A sample of 38 adolescents hospitalized for a major depressive episode melancholic type or a manic episode during the course of a bipolar disorder (according to the DSM III-R Criteria) was examined with particular emphasis on precipating life events and family relationships. Psychosocial stressors in the year preceding onset of the affective disorder were found in a very high proportion of cases (about 80%). Stressors are most often severe. All of these stressors have to do with loss or threat of loss, particularly the most frequent one: the sentimental failure. Analyzing results of a familial dynamic questionnaire, we showed in the MDD sample the prevalence of two psychopathological index: maternal rejection, parental dysharmony.