Psychotic symptoms in pediatric bipolar disorder and family history of psychiatric illness

BackgroundFew studies have examined the specificity and non-specificity in patterns of familial loading for presentation of psychotic symptoms in pediatric bipolar disorder (BP).MethodsDiagnostic assessment of 263 pediatric BP probands included lifetime history of psychotic symptoms as well as longitudinal follow-up; family history of psychiatric illness was determined for 1st degree relatives.ResultsPediatric BP probands with lifetime history of psychosis had a higher percentage of positive family history of anxiety disorders and suicide attempts as compared to probands with no history of psychosis.DiscussionFamilial loading for a spectrum of internalizing disorders is associated with presentation of psychotic symptoms in pediatric BP.