Bipolar disorder in prepubertal children: A survey of psychiatrists and psychologists

The Bipolar Diagnostic and Treatment Survey was developed to investigate psychiatrists' and psychologists' views of prepubertal bipolar disorder. The diagnosis was rated more beneficial by psychiatrists (MD) vs. psychologists (PSY), more beneficial by MD and PSY from specialized treatment settings (SPEC) vs. MD and PSY from non-specialized treatment settings (NON-SPEC), and more beneficial by MD/SPEC vs. PSY/NON-SPEC. Antidepressants without mood stabilizers or anticonvulsants were rated less effective by MD/SPEC and PSY/SPEC vs. MD/NON-SPEC and PSY/NON-SPEC, and rated less effective by MD/SPEC vs. PSY/NON-SPEC. All comparisons utilized Fisher's Protected t-tests at an alpha level of .05. Training and collaboration needs are explored as a means to enhance knowledge of diagnostic and treatment issues.