[Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder or juvenile mania].

In recent years, the relationship between juvenile mania and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has been the focus of renewed clinical research and controversial debates. We have reviewed the recent literature about bipolar disorder and juvenile mania in children in order to clarify the knowledge in assessment, phenomenology and diagnosis of prepubertal bipolar disorder. Despite the fact that prepubertal mania has been recognized, there is no consensus on the diagnostic criteria. The symptomatic overlap and comorbidity of juvenile mania with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has produced confusion. As prospective studies are not yet contributive because of the heterogeneity of samples and criteria, one cannot consider these manic children as truly cases of bipolar disorder.