How Common is Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents?
Findings from a National Institute of Mental Health-supported study suggest that bipolar disorder may be at least as common among youth as among adults. In this study, 1% of adolescents ages 14 to 18 were found to have met criteria for bipolar disorder or cyclothymia (a similar but milder condition) in their lifetime. In addition, close to 6% of adolescents in the study had experienced a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood even though they never met full criteria for bipolar disorder or cyclothymia. Compared to adolescents with a history of major depressive disorder and to a never-mentally-ill group, both the teens with bipolar disorder and those with subclinical symptoms had greater functional impairment and higher rates of c-occurring mental disorders (especially anxiety and disruptive behavior disorders), suicide attempts, and mental health services utilization. This study highlights the need for improved recognition, treatment, and
