O Transtorno Bipolar Afetivo na adolescência: aspectos psicodinâmicos

Bipolar Affective Disorder in Adolescence: Psychodinamic aspects

Abstract

The bipolar affective disorder characterized by mood swings, alternating between manic and depressive episodes, which can vary in
intensity and duration according to personal and situational characteristics involved. The fi ndings on its causes are still inconclusive,
however, the most widely accepted hypothesis is that there is a combination of genetic and environmental factors in its etiology. In
adolescence it is particularly diffi cult to set clearly the diagnosis, since at this stage the individual naturally experiences a storm of
emotions, in addition to co-morbidities that may be present, which alerts us to the importance of differential diagnosis in these ca
ses. The treatment must necessarily combine the prescription of drugs plus psychotherapy (individual and / or family), and changes
in lifestyle. In its course, the role of family is crucial as a factor involved in the dynamics of the disease