Week 12: Group-Facilitated Discussion 1

Post a discussion prompt response according to the facilitating group’s instructions. Your reply posts should include substantive reflection directed to the presenters. Read the following passage and use the listed resources to answer the 4 questions completely. A

Summary of Bipolar Disorder in the Pediatric Population  

In this discussion, we will review the complexities of bipolar disorder in the pediatric population. Developing a bipolar diagnosis in children can be difficult, and it takes time to distinguish symptoms from disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), ADHD, oppositional defiance disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Charuvastra, 2022). Special attention needs to be paid to whether symptoms are chronic versus episodic. Additionally, risk factors such as family history of bipolar disorder and increased childhood adversity can increase suspicion of a bipolar diagnosis in children who exhibit mania and depression (Charuvastra, 2022). This diagnosis may not be obvious in children at first, and it may take time to come to a diagnosis, especially since recognizing hypomania can be difficult.  

Once a diagnosis has been reached, drug treatment choices can be reviewed, paying special attention to medication side effects of antipsychotics, which can cause additional psychosocial and physical challenges associated with some medication side effects of weight gain and the potential to develop diabetes (Abrams, 2020). Additional challenges arise in the adolescent population in which medication noncompliance can be extremely high and underreported (Abrams, 2020). Scales such as the Parent General Behavior Inventory (www.tinyurl.com/2cj3sawr) or the Child Mania Rating Scale (www.tinyurl.com/44r84jtz) can be useful tools in rating mania and gauging treatment choices (Charuvastra, 2022). Besides pharmacotherapy, psychosocial interventions are important in addressing sleep patterns, medication compliance, and healthy lifestyle choices (Brickman & Fristad, 2022). Having a comprehensive approach to treating bipolar disorder can facilitate better outcomes, so the PMHNP needs to be aware of the different treatment options available to help patients and families make informed choices about their care. 

In this discussion, you will learn what is different in pediatric bipolar disorder from adult bipolar disorder and how it is distinguished from other diagnoses such as ADHD. Formulating a comprehensive treatment plan is necessary for promoting healthy outcomes. Lastly, educating families and patients about what to expect with a bipolar diagnosis in children will be important for reinforcing treatment compliance and reducing family stress. 

Discussion Prompts 

Describe the differences and similarities among symptoms of pediatric versus adult bipolar disorder.  

Discuss why pediatric ADHD and bipolar disorder often get misdiagnosed. Include symptoms shared by both diagnoses.  

Review treatment recommendations for pediatric bipolar disorder. Include evidence-based guidelines in your response.  

What resources or education would you provide to parents/caregivers of a newly diagnosed pediatric patient with bipolar disorder?