The best of news and research articles from publications nationwide, as selected by the Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation, updated weekly.

If teens who are at risk for developing psychosis can be identified and treated before the onset of a full-blown illness, they have a chance to bypass years of disability. Understanding how genetic defects can lead to the symptoms of psychotic disorders may someday allow doctors to give at-risk teens an even better chance at ongoing health than they have today.

This paper is Jean Frazier and David Kennedy's contribution to CABF's series, Translation of the Scientific Evolution of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder.  The series presents the leading researchers' contribution to the field.  It describes the programmatic approach and direction of the labs, the seminal questions which drive their research, a listing of their most important findings and a summary of how their work impacts the field.   CABF is very grateful to Drs. Frazier and Kennedy for sharing their vision with our readers.

Susan Resko, M.M.

Differences between research groups in the approaches used to diagnose bipolar disorder in children and adolescents have limited the comparability of findings across research studies and have impeded progress in understanding the course of illness, in delineating etiology, and in developing efficacious interventions. The purpose of this meeting was to take an important step forward in resolving these methodological discrepancies.

Bipolar Spectrum Disorder is rare among children. But for parents who may have concerns about their youngster’s behavior, Dr. Ellen Leibenluft talks about possible warning signs. Dr. Leibenluft is Senior Investigator and Chief of the Bipolar Spectrum Disorder Section at the National Institute of Mental Health.

Mani N. Pavuluri,MD,  Michael W. Naylor, MD, Philip G. Janicak, MD Contemporary Psychiatry (April 2002) (full text)

An excellent summary of pediatric onset and adolescent onset bipolar disorder, and treatment guidelines used by the Pediatric Mood Disorders Clinic at University of Illinois at Chicago.

Hellander, M. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 2003 Vol. 42(10): 1141

A letter to the editor citing evidence of the manifestation of depression and suicidality in young children, and the need for continuing investigation for treatment options.

This paper is Gaye Carlson's contribution to CABF's series, Translation of the Scientific Evolution of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder.  The series presents the leading researchers' contribution to the field.  It describes the programmatic approach and direction of the labs, the seminal questions which drive their research, a listing of their most important findings and a summary of how their work impacts the field.  CABF is very grateful to Dr. Carlson for sharing her insights with our readers.