BiPolar Disorder and Teens: Local Research Study

DIG-FAST: Bipolar Disorder in Teens

       Participate in a Local Research Study
       

Recent events in our community and nationally remind us that adolescents can be especially vulnerable to effects of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders that can tragically result in suicide or suicide attempts. Parents can often struggle with where to even begin to look for answers to the changes they are seeing in their teens.

According to KidsHealth.org, the reasons behind a teen’s suicide or attempted suicide can be complex. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports suicide ranks third behind accidents and homicides as a cause of death for 15-24-year-olds. Suicide rates also differ between boys and girls. While girls think about it twice as much, boys die by suicide four times as often, perhaps attributable to the use of more lethal methods.

One serious brain illness called bipolar disorder or manic depression has been known to cause young people to hurt themselves. Horacio Capote, M.D., a psychiatrist at the DENT Neurological Institute explains, “Children with bipolar disorder experience unusual mood changes. Sometimes they are very happy or appear more active than usual. This is called mania. Other times, they feel very sad and are much less active than usual. This can be termed depression.”

Dr. Capote tells the adults in children’s lives to be aware of behaviors he calls DIG-FAST, characterized by Distractibility, Insomnia or Irritability, Grandiosity, Flight of Ideas (racing thoughts), involvement in many Activities at once, Speech that is loud and rapid, and Thoughtlessness (i.e. an impulsive decision to take a road trip).

“Anyone can develop bipolar disorder – children or adults,” says Dr. Capote. “However, in the case of children, it is called early-onset bipolar disorder, and moods are usually more frequent and extreme. And while a definite cause hasn’t been identified, several factors may be responsible, including genetics, abnormal brain structure or function, and anxiety. What’s most important is that young people with bipolar disorder can receive the treatment they need to lead successful lives.”

If there is someone you know between the ages of 12 and 17 who is experiencing DIG-FAST symptoms, you may want to tell them about a clinical study in which they can participate. Lead DENT Institute researcher, Michelle Rainka, Pharm.D., CCRP says this is a wonderful opportunity because participants will:

·  Be able to choose times in their schedule that are most convenient for them.

·  Undergo in depth interviews and exams by two independent psychiatrists, who will be able to make a definitive diagnosis regarding the disorder.

·  Have the option of receiving free medication and medical supervision for 26 weeks following the first three weeks of the study.

·  Receive compensation for their time and travel.

Dr. Rainka anticipates many people will want to take advantage of this opportunity, and urges anyone who is interested to call her directly at 716-250-2038.