Bipolar disorder and severe mood dysregulation in children and adolescents

Bipolar Disorder (BD) in children and adolescents is a known and well established disorder. Nonetheless, there are differing views about its main characteristics. Reliable information on the prevalence and incidence of the disorder is lacking, but it is known that there are recurrent episodes and psychiatric and psychosocial comorbidity. It is also known that there is a genetic predisposition for pediatric BD. Imaging research found pathology in some areas, but these findings are not BD specific. Effective treatment includes a combination of medications and different psychotherapies, including educational approaches. The recently described severe mood dysregulation syndrome (SMD) may also develop into BD.