[Bipolar disorders as co-morbidity in childhood and adolescence--underdiagnosed or overinterpreted? Therapy of a 14-year-old boy with hyperkinetic conduct disorder and hypomania].

OBJECTIVE

Considerable debate exists regarding differing prevalence rates of co-morbid bipolar disorder in children and adolescents with ADHD in Germany as compared to the US.

METHODS

Described in this case report are the assessment of and treatment procedure for a 14-year old boy with hyperkinetic conduct disorder and co-morbid hypomanic episode, as well as different possible interpretations of symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies of children and adolescents with ADHD and coexisting impulsive-aggressive behaviour are needed. Important in practice is a precise differentiation of symptoms with regard to co-morbid bipolar disorder.