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| |  Bipolar Disorder Can Affect Young Children, May Co-Exist With ADHD PHILADELPHIA, PA -- April 28, 2000 -- Over two million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder -- a serious yet treatable illness. Until recently, most experts believed that bipolar disorder began in adolescence or young adulthood. However, studies now suggest that bipolar disorder may strike as early as seven years of age and is more common than previously thought. Also known as manic-depression, bipolar disorder can present a diagnostic challenge to mental health professionals because the symptoms are different in children than in adults. Adult bipolar disorder is characterized by manic (elated mood, inflated self-esteem, rapid speech and accelerated thinking) and depressive mood swings that vary in severity and begin gradually. Unlike the more predictable patterns of adult bipolar disorder, children often exhibit irritable moods, explosive outbursts and may undergo manic-depressive cycles far more rapidly than adults. Another complication in diagnosis is the fact that childhood bipolar disorder can mimic symptoms of other mental disorders, including attention- deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder. As a result, bipolar illness may be overlooked. Some experts believe that bipolar disorder can co-exist with ADHD. Left untreated, bipolar disorder may lead to an increase in the frequency of manic and depressive episodes and even suicide. Research shows that the suicide rate for children age 10-14 has more than doubled over the last 15 years. "If a child has a family history of mood disorders and/or alcoholism, and manifests a pattern of irritability, hyperactivity, mood swings and prolonged temper tantrums, then bipolar disorder should be considered as a possible diagnosis," said Elizabeth Weller, MD, Senior Psychiatrist at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania. Bipolar disorder is highly responsive to treatment with mood stabilizers, including lithium. Lithium is the only mood stabilizer approved by the FDA for the long-term prevention of bipolar disorder. Research also suggests that lithium may reduce suicide risk in bipolar patients by 77 percent. On April 29, leading experts from around the country, including Dr. Weller, will gather to discuss current treatments for children and adolescents suffering with mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder. The session is sponsored by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the nation's first children's hospital, is a world-renowned leader in patient care, education and research. This 373-bed multi-specialty hospital provides comprehensive pediatric service to children from before birth through age 19. The Hospital admits more than 17,000 patients, and provides care in more than 50,000 emergency and 600,000 outpatient visits annually. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia operates a pediatric healthcare network that also includes The Joseph Stokes, Jr. Research Institute, eight outpatient specialty care centers, four primary care centers, inpatient units at four community hospitals, a poison control center and 27 Kids First pediatric and adolescent practices in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF EARLY ONSET BIPOLAR DISORDER - Difficulty sleeping
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