TY - JOUR

T1 - The bipolar spectrum

T2 - myth or reality?

AU - Youngstrom, Eric A.

AU - Van Meter, Anna

AU - Perez Algorta, Guillermo

PY - 2010/12

Y1 - 2010/12

N2 - The idea of a "bipolar spectrum" is controversial due to 1) lack of widely accepted definitions, 2) concern that spectrum definitions might subsume cases with non-bipolar disorders, 3) worry that "diagnostic creep" may lead practitioners to overdiagnose bipolar disorder in marginal cases, and 4) worry that more diagnosis of bipolar spectrum may increase aggressive pharmacotherapy. These concerns are weighed against theoretical and empiric evidence converging in support of the bipolar spectrum as having prognostic and prescriptive validity. Practitioners can use inexpensive and practical strategies to incorporate the spectrum concept into their work while minimizing risks of overdiagnosis or unnecessary medication exposure.

AB - The idea of a "bipolar spectrum" is controversial due to 1) lack of widely accepted definitions, 2) concern that spectrum definitions might subsume cases with non-bipolar disorders, 3) worry that "diagnostic creep" may lead practitioners to overdiagnose bipolar disorder in marginal cases, and 4) worry that more diagnosis of bipolar spectrum may increase aggressive pharmacotherapy. These concerns are weighed against theoretical and empiric evidence converging in support of the bipolar spectrum as having prognostic and prescriptive validity. Practitioners can use inexpensive and practical strategies to incorporate the spectrum concept into their work while minimizing risks of overdiagnosis or unnecessary medication exposure.

KW - Bipolar disorder

KW - Cyclothymic disorder

KW - Bipolar spectrum

KW - Diagnosis

KW - Mania

KW - Validity

U2 - 10.1007/s11920-010-0153-3

DO - 10.1007/s11920-010-0153-3

M3 - Journal article

VL - 12

SP - 479

EP - 489

JO - Current Psychiatry Reports

JF - Current Psychiatry Reports

SN - 1535-1645

IS - 6

ER -