Respond to your colleagues who argued the opposite side as you by countering their argument with evidence. Identify at least two consequences to support your position.
NOTE( my position is against the issue of diagnosing pediatric bipolar depression disorder)
Main post
Pediatric Bipolar Depression Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder distinguished by profound fluctuations in emotions, moods, energy, and activity levels in which the individual experiences episodes of mania, depression, or hypomania (National Institute of Mental Health, 2020). Moreover, bipolar depression disorder is a subdivision of bipolar disorder characterized by depression extreme enough to impair day-to-day activities involving school, work, social, and family interactions (Mayo Clinic, 2018). Symptoms of bipolar depression include but are not limited to the presence or history of 1 or more major depressive episodes, presence or history of 1 or more hypomanic episodes, absence of manic/mixed episodes, significant impairments in all aspects of life, feeling sad, hopeless, worthless, irritability, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, weight loss/gain, increased/decreased appetite, sleep disturbance, fatigue, decreased concentration, decreased ability to make decisions, and suicidal ideations (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Additionally, diagnosing bipolar depression disorder in the pediatric population can be debated both for and against the diagnosis. However, it is a real mental health condition effecting the pediatric population. Hence, the diagnosis should be made if criteria is met. Therefore, the remainder of this discussion will aim to justify the diagnosing of pediatric bipolar depression disorder.
To begin, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-V) is a clinical guideline that uses a common language and standard criteria to diagnosis mental disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). It does not dictate an age requirement when diagnosing bipolar disorder. Hence, it is suggested that any age group can be diagnosed with bipolar disorder if criteria is met. Next, a familial history of bipolar disorder increases the likelihood of the pediatric client having the disorder with a five-time greater chance if a 1st degree family member has the disorder (Cleveland Clinic, 2019). Also, a research roundtable identified and concluded that pediatric children can be diagnosed with bipolar disorder using psychiatric assessment tools (Lynn, 2001). Too, the Oregon Adolescent Depression Project identified a peak onset of bipolar disorder at 14 years old with significant progression throughout developmental stages including adulthood (Lewinsohn et al., 2002). Therefore, there is sufficient support for the diagnosing of pediatric bipolar depression disorder.
Conclusion
While controversy exist regarding diagnosing pediatric clients with bipolar depression disorder, the diagnosis should be made if the client meets criteria. Accurate diagnosing is vital as bipolar depression disorder is a lifelong mood disorder that will require treatment for effective management. With accurate diagnosing and treatment management, the pediatric client can live a productive life.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Cleveland Clinic. (2019). Bipolar Disorder in Children. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14669-bipolar-disorder-in-children
Lewinsohn, P. M., Seeley, J. R., Buckley, M. E., & Klein, D. N. (2002). Bipolar disorder in adolescence and young adulthood. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 11(3):461-75. DOI: 10.1016/s1056-4993(02)00005-6
Lynn, G. T. (2001). National Institute of Mental Health research roundtable on prepubertal bipolar disorder. Journal of American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry, 40(8):871-8. DOI: 10.1097/00004583-200108000-00007
Mayo Clinic. (2018). Bipolar disorder. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955