Abstract
Background: While researchers have attempted to address the difficulties of diagnosing affective disorders in the intellectually disabled population, diagnosing bipolar disorder in an individual with severe intellectual disability (ID) remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to identify what symptoms can predict a diagnosis of mania in the intellectually disabled population. Methods: Three groups of persons with ID participated in this study: (1) individuals with a bipolar diagnosis who were currently manic; (2) individuals with an Axis I diagnosis other than bipolar disorder; and (3) individuals without an Axis I diagnosis. Two recognized measures of mania (i.e. Diagnostic Assessment for the Severely Handicapped-Revised and Parent Version of Young Mania Rating Scale) were used to evaluate symptoms of mania. A logistical regression procedure was conducted on mania items to identify which items correctly identify persons with ID who were currently manic. Results: Psychomotor agitation, decreased sleep, changes in mood and aggression were significantly related to the diagnosis of mania. Further, psychomotor agitation and disturbed sleep were significant predictors of a diagnosis of mania. Conclusions: Problems of sleep and psychomotor agitation should alert clinicians that further assessment of bipolar symptomatology is warranted. Focusing on observable behaviours based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder-IV criteria can be useful in formulating a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in persons with ID.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 25-31 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of Intellectual Disability Research |
Volume | 51 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2007 |
Keywords
- Bipolar disorder
- Intellectual disability
- Mania
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Rehabilitation
- Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
- Neurology
- Clinical Neurology
- Psychiatry and Mental health