RECOVERY AND RELAPSE IN ADOLESCENTS WITH BIPOLAR AFFECTIVE-ILLNESS - A 5-YEAR NATURALISTIC, PROSPECTIVE FOLLOW-UP

Objective: This study was a 5-year naturalistic prospective follow-up of 54 consecutive admissions of adolescents to a university inpatient service with a diagnosis of bipolar I affective illness. Method: Subjects received structured clinical evaluations every 6 months after entry to establish time to recovery and subsequent relapse. Regression models were used to identify predictors of differential course. Results: Rate of recovery varied by polarity of episode at time of entry, with quick recovery observed in subjects with pure mania or mixed states, and a protracted index episode in subjects with pure depression. Multiple relapses were most often seen in subjects with mixed or cycling episodes at intake. Conclusions: Polarity of illness may have utility in identifying bipolar adolescents with a more recurrent illness. Comparison with adult data suggests that recurrence risks may vary as a function of age at onset or stage of the disease process.