Comparison of Symptoms of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder in the Manic Phase and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Objectives: The clinical presentation of Bipolar Disorder (BD) in adults often has an episodic course. However, pediatric onset BD often presents with higher rates of mixed episodes, rapid cycling, and co-occurring Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) than adults with BD. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics of pediatric onset BD in a Turkish sample and to compare these characteristics with children with a diagnosis of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Methods: A total of 19 child or adolescent patients diagnosed with BD in the manic state and 19 child or adolescent patients diagnosed with ADHD based on DSM-IV criteria were included in the study. The children were analyzed in terms of age of onset, symptoms, and comorbidity. Subsequently, both groups were compared in terms of symptoms of BD according to the Child Mania Rating Scale. Results: Irritable mood (94%), rapid mood swings (89%), delusions (94%), auditory (63%) and visual hallucinations (47%) were detected statistically more commonly in the bipolar disorder patients. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of hyperactivity, distractibility, and irritability. Conclusion: Children and adolescents with BD often present with higher rates of rapid mood swings, irritable mood, and psychotic features. However, irritability does not seem to be a specific symptom for pediatric BD.