Characteristics prior to and at time of diagnosis in pediatric bipolar disorder

Objectives Describe symptoms before and at time of register-diagnosis in children and adolescents. Methods A random sample was selected for chart-review from a Danish nationwide cohort of patients Results 521 were diagnosed in the study period. A random sample of 25% were selected, and 106 charts were possible to retrieve, with 48 chart reviews resulting in confirmation of diagnosis. Time from first reported affective symptoms to diagnosis was 2.6 +/- 2.7 years for depressive symptoms, 2.5 +/- 2.9 years for mixed symptoms, 1.4 +/- 1.6 years for hypomanic symptoms, and 0.4 +/- 0.5 years for manic symptoms. A hierarchical clustering analysis revealed three patient-profiles: primarily hypomanic/manic, primarily depressive, and more rare, primarily mixed profile. Frequently reported symptoms prior to diagnosis include anhedonia (79%), irritability (71%), hyperactivity (62.5%), decreased energy (62.5%), and psychotic symptoms (52%). Symptoms of ADHD (19%), comorbid ADHD (15%), symptoms of anxiety (52%), comorbid anxiety (4%), suicidal thoughts (50%), suicide attempts (8%), cutting (23%), substance misuse (21%), and criminal activity (10%) were reported before incident BD diagnosis. Conclusion The observed patient-profiles leading to diagnosis were primarily manic or depressive, resembling presentations in adults. The presence of ADHD, anxiety, suicide attempts, cutting, and criminal activity prior to diagnosis emphasizes the need for treatment of children and adolescents with affective symptoms. The gap from appearance of the symptoms to diagnosis suggests a window for earlier treatment.

Automated summary

This study aims to describe the symptoms before and at the time of register-diagnosis in children and adolescents. A random sample from a Danish nationwide cohort of patients was selected for chart-review. The results showed that frequently reported symptoms before diagnosis include anhedonia, irritability, hyperactivity, decreased energy, and psychotic symptoms. In addition, symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, suicide attempts, cutting, and criminal activity were also reported before incident BD diagnosis.