Mood disorders like bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are common among adolescents, with prevalence rates of 10.7% to 17.3%. These disorders are influenced by genetics, stress, and trauma, leading to challenges such as impaired cognitive function, substance use, family dysfunction, and higher suicide rates. Differentiating BD from MDD is difficult because BD often starts with depressive episodes. Misdiagnosis, where BD is treated as MDD, is frequent and can worsen outcomes, making early and accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment.

Research aims to distinguish BD from MDD through clinical features, genetics, neuroimaging, and blood biomarkers. BD tends to involve more psychiatric comorbidities, subsyndromal manic symptoms, and higher suicide risk. Genetic studies show BD has a stronger hereditary component, while neuroimaging reveals brain connectivity differences. Biomarkers like inflammatory cytokines are also being studied to differentiate the disorders, though more research in adolescents is needed to develop better diagnostic tools.

Reference: Yang R, Zhao Y, Tan Z, et al. Differentiation between bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder in adolescents: from clinical to biological biomarkers. Front Hum Neurosci. 2023;17:1192544. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1192544.