Rational Approaches to the Neurobiologic Study of Youth at Risk for Bipolar Disorder and Suicide

Neuroimaging & related neurobiological literature pertaining to bipolar disorder & suicide in adult & pediatric samples was reviewed in a non-quantitative manner. Specific structural & functional brain findings in bipolar disorder are described, where possible in the context of relevant current neurobiological theories of etiology. Diagnostic & prognostic implications are discussed. It is concluded that a profile of neurobiological markers with which to screen for bipolar disorder & suicide risk may provide for earlier & more accurate diagnosis, perhaps even in the pre-or subsyndromal stages in high-risk youth. (221 refs.)