By BECKY THOMSON
Many individuals and organizations are in support of early intervention for bipolar disorder, and a new study by the National Institute of Mental Health adds evidence to this idea. In short, a study of over 10,000 teenagers found that the percentage of participants who had previously experienced mania was similar to the percentage of adults who suffer from bipolar disorder. Researchers suggest that because of this similarity, it is likely that bipolar disorder actually begins during adolescence, instead of in early adulthood as many people traditionally thought.
If this is the case, then why are the results of this study so significant? To begin with, bipolar disorder causes significant impairment, and this was evident among the adolescents in the study who experienced bipolar symptoms. Approximately one in five teenagers in the study with bipolar symptoms had attempted suicide. What’s more, over half were also experiencing an anxiety or behavior disorder. In order to work through all of these symptoms, treatment is imperative. Yet, only around half of the teens with mania and depression had sought out treatment – another reason why the results of this study are meaningful.
Researchers are careful to note that the results of this study do not necessarily mean more teens are experiencing bipolar symptoms, but simply that the rates of mood disorders among teens seem to be very close to the rates of mood disorders in adults. So, what should we do with this information, then? Dr. Tony Patterson, a psychiatrist affiliated with Southeast Psych, explains, “An old adage in medicine says ‘If you’re not looking for it, you’re not likely to find it.’ Of course that’s not the case in all situations, but the more possibilities you keep in mind, the more likely you are to make an accurate diagnosis. If we as parents and clinicians fail to remember bipolar disorder is a real possibility in young people, in fact, just as likely as in adults, we may not recognize it when it’s right in front of us. With this study as a reminder, I anticipate more young people with emotional suffering will be more accurately understood, with interventions better targeted for successful outcomes. Very likely, more lives will be saved. With that in mind, this is good news!”
Dr. Tony Patterson is a psychiatrist affiliated with Southeast Psych. Dr. Patterson has special interests and experience in Mood and Anxiety Disorders, and is currently finding an important role in the treatment of adolescents and adults with the Asperger cluster of experiences and behaviors. Stay connected by visiting Southeast Psych’s Facebook page and following @Southeast Psych on Twitter.
{ 0 comments }
