Kiki D Chang1, Christine M Blasey, Terence A Ketter, Hans Steiner. 1. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Child Psychiatry and Child Development, Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305-5719, USA. kchang88@stanford.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: We wished to characterize temperament of children at high risk for bipolar disorder (BD). METHODS: We collected data from the Dimensions of Temperament-Revised (DOTS-R) from 53 biological offspring of at least one parent with BD. RESULTS: Overall, our cohort differed from population means for the DOTS-R, having decreased Activity Level-General scores, and increased Approach, and Rhythmicity-Sleep scores. Offspring with psychiatric disorders differed from those without in having decreased Flexibility, Mood, and Task Orientation scores. Temperament profiles for diagnostic categories of BD and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were performed in a descriptive manner. LIMITATIONS: Self- or parent-report of temperament was used rather than clinical observation. Temperament characterization was cross-sectional and retrospective rather than prospective and may overlap with clinical diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of temperament may be useful in characterizing bipolar offspring. Decreased flexibility and task orientation, and presence of negative moods may be correlated with development of psychopathology.
BACKGROUND: We wished to characterize temperament of children at high risk for bipolar disorder (BD). METHODS: We collected data from the Dimensions of Temperament-Revised (DOTS-R) from 53 biological offspring of at least one parent with BD. RESULTS: Overall, our cohort differed from population means for the DOTS-R, having decreased Activity Level-General scores, and increased Approach, and Rhythmicity-Sleep scores. Offspring with psychiatric disorders differed from those without in having decreased Flexibility, Mood, and Task Orientation scores. Temperament profiles for diagnostic categories of BD and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were performed in a descriptive manner. LIMITATIONS: Self- or parent-report of temperament was used rather than clinical observation. Temperament characterization was cross-sectional and retrospective rather than prospective and may overlap with clinical diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of temperament may be useful in characterizing bipolar offspring. Decreased flexibility and task orientation, and presence of negative moods may be correlated with development of psychopathology.
Authors: Rene L Olvera; Manoela Fonseca; Sheila C Caetano; John P Hatch; Kristina Hunter; Mark Nicoletti; Steven R Pliszka; C Robert Cloninger; Jair C Soares Journal: J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol Date: 2009-02 Impact factor: 2.576