Post-Sommer

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)

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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

National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Bipolar Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml