A preliminary evaluation of the validity of at-risk criteria for bipolar disorders in help-seeking adolescents and young adults

Abstract

Introduction: We have developed ultra-high risk criteria for bipolar affective disorder (bipolar at-risk - BAR) which include general criteria such as being in the peak age range of the onset of the disorder and a combination of specific criteria including sub-threshold mania, depressive symptoms, cyclothymic features and genetic risk. In the current study, the predictive validity of these criteria were tested in help-seeking adolescents and young adults. Method: This medical file-audit study was conducted at ORYGEN Youth Health (OYH), a public mental health program for young people aged between 15 and 24 years and living in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. BAR criteria were applied to the..