Examining the association between pediatric bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders in psychiatrically referred children and adolescents
Received 30 September 2004; accepted 5 May 2005.
Abstract
Background
To examine the association between anxiety (ANX) and bipolar disorders (BPD) in a clinically referred pediatric sample.
Methods
Subjects were consecutively referred youth aged <18 years, with a DSM-III-R/DSM-IV diagnosis of BPD (n=297) or a disruptive behavior disorder (DBD) (n=1100) on structured interview.
Results
Bipolar disorder in youth was associated with a significantly increased risk for most of the DSM-IV anxiety disorders and was not specifically linked to any one disorder in particular.
Conclusions
Bipolar disorder in youth is a significant risk factor for anxiety comorbidity. Considering the morbidity and dysfunction as well as the differing therapeutic needs associated with bipolar and anxiety symptomatology, appropriate therapeutic approaches will be needed for the management of youth with this comorbidity.
Clinical and Research Program in Pediatric Psychopharmacology, Johnson & Johnson Center for the Study of Pediatric Psychopathology, at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, United States
Stanley Center for the Treatment of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, United States
Corresponding author. Massachusetts General Hospital, Pediatric Psychopharmacology Unit, Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care, YAW-6A-6900, 32 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114, United States. Tel.: +1 617 726 2724; fax: +1 617 724 1540.
ABSTRACT