Abstract
'Paediatric bipolar disorder' (PBD) remains controversial; because it is based on the hypothesis that bipolar disorder (BD) often begins in childhood with atypical forms of mania. A meta-analysis of 12 epidemiological surveys found a high prevalence of PBD among children and adolescents worldwide (1.8%), however, our study of the measurement issues (Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 23, 2018, 14) found that PBD rates were lower than claimed. Our findings are consistent with the developmental trajectory of BD, as describedbymost longitudinal studies of high-risk offspring. BD is extremely rare in childhood with nearly all index manic/hypomanic episodes being in midadolescence or later. Treatment for BD should not commence until the first well-defined manic/hypomanic episode, because children and younger adolescents are extremely sensitive to the side effects of second-generation antipsychotics including weight gain, metabolic syndrome, extrapyramidal side effects and the risk of cerebral atrophy, as observed in studies of juvenile animals.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
