Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: Underdefined and Overdiagnosed

Abstract

This article reviews literature surrounding the controversy of pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD). This is a topic that has been discussed and researched for decades and is still subject to debate. This article focuses on the validity of PBD as a diagnosis and goes over the recurrent issues found in the disorder. These issues include the definitional, misdiagnosis, comorbidity, and pharmacological issues as well as the decision on whether to delay diagnosis and treatment in the childhood bipolar population.