¶ … diagnosing, treatment and drawing conclusions related to the early onset and later onset of the bipolar disorder as being a form of continuity of the same illness. The debates over the issue of continuity and definition are a result of the increased attention the pediatric bipolar disorder receives in the present in the media due to the statistical data based on a new form of defining the pediatric bipolar disorder showing a higher rate of children diagnosed with the illness than in the past. The prevalence of the classical bipolar disorder is estimated between 0.4 and 1.6%, although some scientists point out prevalence between 5 and 8% in the general population. Contrary to the previous conclusions, a new theory indicates the early onset form being as prevalent as the later onset form of the illness. Yet, the fact that the two forms constitute the same illness is highly debatable. The fact that the increase in the number of children diagnosed with bipolar disorder is restrained mainly to the United States can be a result of the fundamental change in definition of the illness used here.
The data is insufficient and inconclusive and further research is absolutely necessary to determine if the pediatric bipolar disorder will develop in bipolar disorder in most young adults showing the symptoms during their childhood. He existing data does not indicate that with the syndromes of the classical illness found in children or adolescents who were studied in a follow up research further persisted into their adulthood. The family history is not necessarily a reliable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents presenting mood changing and behavioral problems due to a definition of the illness that is too broad.
The criteria used to diagnose the bipolar disorder can be met too simply by detecting reckless behavior, irritability, higher levels of energy etc. that although indicators of mania, may or may not be specific enough for diagnosing the illness.
Even if the symptoms occur, according the Consensus Guidelines, in concert, their assessment of frequency, duration and severity are not specific enough. Adult criteria for assessment of children symptoms may also be misleading in diagnosis and choosing the right treatment. The evolution of mood / behavioral changing patterns must be regarded individually, only in association with to genetics, neurobiology, life experiences, temperament etc. rather than in combining groups.
