Children often present with symptoms which are complex and which are different from the typical pattern of symptoms seen in adults. Thus it is difficult to predict what course childhood disorders will take as these children mature into adulthood and also difficult to know how to treat these disorders. It is therefore important to better describe childhood mood disorders for recognition and treatment. Children must be 9 to 18 years old and may be taking medication. MRI is an exciting new tool that does not involve radiation.
Participants receive free diagnostic evaluation and brain imaging.
There is payment for participation in this study. We are also looking for children 9 to 18 years old, who do not have a psychiatric disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder for brain imaging. These participants are also paid. Participants receive free evaluation, medication, and treatment for duration of the study. Participants must not have had prior treatment with Depakote.