Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: An issue for Child Welfare

A new diagnosis for children has emerged in the last decade: Pediatric Bipolar Disorder. Children who would have in the past been given other diagnoses are now being relabeled as Pediatric Bipolar. Drugs prescribed for adult Bipolar Disorder are being prescribed for children. The case for delaying pharmacological intervention for treatment of Bipolar Disorder, particularly among young children, is considered. Evidence against the kindling hypothesis, the basis of the case for early pharmacological treatment of Bipolar Disorder, is reviewed. The implications of the controversy over Pediatric Bipolar and medications for small children are discussed with particular consideration given to children in state custody.