Examining the association between pediatric bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders in psychiatrically referred children and adolescents

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.