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Is There a Bipolar Prodrome Among Children and Adolescents?

  • Child and Adolescent Disorders (TD Benton, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Bipolar disorder in youth substantially impairs behavior, family, and social functioning and interferes with developmental course. There is increasing interest in defining a bipolar prodrome similar to that reported in early-onset psychosis that will allow for earlier intervention and reduction in overall morbidity and mortality. Several lines of research have addressed this important issue including studies of offspring of bipolar parents, high-risk cohorts, and longitudinal follow-up of subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD), ADHD, and bipolar spectrum disorder. The development and validation of bipolar prodrome rating scales also shows promise. Recent attempts to intervene at earlier stages of bipolar disorder have led to some positive outcomes. However, a controversy remains concerning the identification and management of the earliest symptoms. Further research is needed to fully validate a bipolar prodrome and to determine the optimal course of action at various stages of illness.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Bradley Hospital, 1011 Veterans Memorial Parkway, East Providence, RI, 02864, USA

    Jeffrey Hunt, Paul Nye & Elisabeth Frazier

  2. Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Kis Stacio utca 1 5/9, 1082, Budapest, Hungary

    Charlotte M. Schwarz

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  1. Jeffrey Hunt
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  2. Charlotte M. Schwarz
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  3. Paul Nye
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  4. Elisabeth Frazier
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Correspondence to Jeffrey Hunt.

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Jeffrey Hunt, Charlotte M. Schwarz, Paul Nye, and Elisabeth Frazier declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Child and Adolescent Disorders

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Hunt, J., Schwarz, C.M., Nye, P. et al. Is There a Bipolar Prodrome Among Children and Adolescents?. Curr Psychiatry Rep 18, 35 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-016-0676-3

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