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Abstract
Pediatric bipolar disorder is a serious condition that affects a child’s ability to function normally during important developmental stages. Pediatric bipolar disorder often presents with a different symptom complex than adult-onset bipolar disorder, including higher rates of irritability and rapid cycling. Due to these differences, it is important to understand the neural substrates of the disease as it presents in children, especially when compared with adults. Understanding the brain abnormalities associated with pediatric bipolar disorder may provide much needed markers useful in diagnosing childhood-onset bipolar disorder, give insight into the neurobiological etiology of the disorder and lead to more effective treatments. Currently, there has been little neuroimaging research into pediatric bipolar disorder, specifically with regards to brain function. This review summarizes the neurobiological research that has been conducted on childhood- and adolescent-onset bipolar disorder using magnetic resonance technology. Future directions of research needed in this area also are discussed in the context of the existing literature.