Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder: Characteristics and Outcomes in the Clinic

Early-onset bipolar disorder is a complex and heterogeneous psychiatric disorder. Evidence-based treatment should emphasize psychopharmacology with adjunctive family and individual psychotherapy. Strategies to improve engagement in treatment may be especially important. Given high rates of high-risk behaviors in these youth, regular mental health follow-up to assess safety is important. Additional evidence-based treatments for pediatric bipolar disorder are needed.