Prevalence of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Background Some research suggests that children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a higher than expected risk of bipolar affective disorder. No study has examined the prevalence of bipolar disorder in a UK sample of children with ADHD. Aims To examine the prevalence of bipolar disorder in children diagnosed with ADHD or hyperkinetic disorder. Method Psychopathology symptoms and diagnoses of bipolar disorder were assessed in 200 young people with ADHD (170 male, 30 female; age 6–18 years, mean 11.15, s.d. = 2.95). Rates of current bipolar disorder symptoms and diagnoses are reported. A family history of bipolar disorder in parents and siblings was also recorded. Results Only one child, a 9-year-old boy, met diagnostic criteria for both ICD–10 hypomania and DSM–IV bipolar disorder not otherwise specified. Conclusions In a UK sample of children with ADHD a current diagnosis of bipolar disorder was uncommon.