Bipolar Teens in the First Year After Hospitalization

Although many patients initially recovered, rates of relapse and continued symptoms were high.

Several naturalistic follow-up studies of child and adolescent bipolar disorder have been published (see, e.g., Journal Watch Psychiatry Jul 7 2004). In the current study, researchers uniquely examined 1-year outcomes among 71 adolescents (age range, 12–18) after an initial hospitalization for bipolar I disorder, mixed or manic phase.

At 1, 4, 8, and 12 months after discharge, clinicians examined syndromal and symptomatic bipolar characteristics, functional status, and medication adherence. Sixty patients (85%) achieved syndromal recovery during the year. However, 52% of recovered patients later relapsed, and a minority of patients achieved symptomatic or psychosocially functional recovery (39% for each). Only 20% achieved all three types of…

Reviewing Author

Barbara Geller, MD

Bipolar Teens in the First Year After Hospitalization

Topics

Reviewing Author