Diagnosis and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder in Young Patients

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The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
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Untreated early-onset bipolar disorder is associated with higher rates of rapid cycling, more comorbidity, and more severe mania and depression than adult-onset bipolar disorder. Correctly diagnosing bipolar disorder early in its course can prevent exposing a young patient to treatments that may exacerbate or advance the progression of the disorder. Appropriate pharmacologic and psychosocial interventions are necessary in the acute treatment of pediatric bipolar disorder.