Child Comorbiity, Maternal Mood Disorder, and Perceptions of Family Functioning among Bipolar Youth

Objective: To examine the association between youth comorbid psychiatric disorders, maternal mood disorder, & perceptions of family cohesion & conflict among youth diagnosed with pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD). Method: Three hundred eighty-nine bipolar youths & their parents completed a diagnostic interview & instruments assessing family psychiatric history & functioning. Family functioning was assessed with the Family Adaptability & Cohesion Scales-II & the Conflict Behavior Questionnaire. Results: The presence of a maternal mood disorder was associated with lower family cohesion. The presence of a youth externalizing disorder with or without a co-occurring anxiety disorder was also associated with lower family cohesion as well as higher family conflict. Furthermore, the negative relationship between maternal mood disorder & family functioning was stronger in the presence of a youth externalizing disorder. Conclusions: Youth comorbidity & maternal mood disorders appear to be associated with worse family functioning among bipolar youths. Family-based treatments with bipolar youths may need to integrate treatment of youth comorbidity & address maternal mood disorder for optimal results. 4 Tables, 35 References. Adapted from the source document.