Associations between bipolar disorder and other psychiatric disorders during adolescence and early adulthood: A community-based longitudinal investigation

Objective: The study investigated cross-sectional and longitudinal associat ions between bipolar disorder and other psychiatric disorders during adoles cence and early adulthood. Method: Psychiatric interviews were administered to a representative commun ity sample of 717 youths and their mothers in 1983 (mean age of youths=14 y ears) and again in 1985-1986, and 1991-1993. Results: A wide range of psychiatric disorders co-occurred with bipolar dis order during adolescence and early adulthood. Adolescent anxiety disorders were uniquely associated with increased risk for early adulthood bipolar di sorder after adolescent bipolar disorder was accounted for. Manic symptoms during adolescence were associated with increased risk for anxiety and depr essive disorders during early adulthood after adolescent anxiety and depres sive disorders were accounted for. Conclusions: Adolescents with anxiety disorders may be at increased risk fo r bipolar disorder or clinically significant manic symptoms during early ad ulthood. Adolescents with manic symptoms may be at increased risk for anxie ty and depressive disorders during early adulthood.