Write “for” or “against” in the subject line of your Discussion post. 

Discussion: pediatric bipolar depression disorder debate

For

Pediatric bipolar depression disorder should be diagnosed as it is a real and significant mental health issue affecting children. According to a study by Leibenluft et al. (2003), bipolar disorder in children is a valid and reliable diagnosis, and it can be differentiated from other childhood disorders. Additionally, research has shown that early diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder in children can lead to better outcomes in the long run (Fristad & MacPherson, 2014).

Furthermore, the consequences of failing to diagnose pediatric bipolar depression disorder can be severe. Children with undiagnosed bipolar disorder are at risk of developing comorbid disorders such as anxiety and substance abuse (Geller et al., 2004). They may also experience difficulties in school and social settings due to mood swings and behavioral issues. Delayed diagnosis can also result in inadequate treatment, leading to further complications and negative outcomes.

In conclusion, pediatric bipolar depression disorder should be diagnosed, as it is a valid and reliable diagnosis that can lead to better outcomes with early intervention. Failing to diagnose can lead to severe consequences for the child’s mental health and overall well-being. Therefore, it is essential to identify and treat bipolar disorder in children as early as possible.

References:

Fristad, M. A., & MacPherson, H. A. (2014). Evidence-based psychotherapies for children and adolescents with bipolar disorder. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 44(1), 1-11. doi: 10.1007/s10879-013-9247-3

Geller, B., Zimerman, B., Williams, M., DelBello, M. P., Bolhofner, K., Craney, J. L., & Nickelsburg, M. J. (2004). DSM-IV mania symptoms in a prepubertal and early adolescent bipolar disorder phenotype compared to attention-deficit hyperactive and normal controls. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 14(1), 11-25. doi: 10.1089/104454604773840506

Leibenluft, E., Charney, D. S., Towbin, K. E., Bhangoo, R. K., Pine, D. S. (2003). Defining clinical phenotypes of juvenile mania. American Journal of Psychiatry, 160(3), 430-437. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.160.3.430