P03.15. Myo-inositol for Comorbid Anxiety in Children and Adolescents With Bipolar Disorder: Promise and Pitfalls

Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive disorder, consists of often recurrent and severe mood episodes. Roughly 1% of children are diagnosed with bipolar disorder; the prevalence doubles in adulthood. The intense mood swings and periods of depression contribute to the significant morbidity and mortality associated with this disorder, which ranks seventh among worldwide causes of nonfatal disease burden. Patients with bipolar disorder commit suicide at a rate that is nearly 25 times that of the general population. The adverse effects—cognitive, functional, substance abuse rates—are exacerbated by co-occurring illnesses. Half of pediatric bipolar disorder patients have an anxiety disorder and thus a worse clinical outcome.