Since the mid 1990’s, the diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children has increased 4,000%. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) also realizes the damages that premature diagnosis of bipolar disorder can have on young children. In an attempt to reduce the number of diagnosis and the risk factors involved with prescribing medications with possible metabolic side effects, the DSM has created a new title for children that exhibit bipolar characteristics, Temper Dysregulatory Disorder (TDD). Scientists are hoping that the American Psychiatric Association will embrace TDD, rather than labeling children with a chronic, life-long disorder that will require a lifetime of medication.
Two Brown University researchers are studying the link between brain development in infants and later bipolar diagnosis in children. This research will focus on myelination, the creation of the fatty lining that surrounds the brain’s fibers and neurons. Recent studies suggest that abnormal myelination can lead to nuerodevelopmental disorders like autism.
The Take Away: By observing the development of normal myelination in contrast with abnormal myelination, the scientists hope to discern which regions of the brain control language acquisition, motor skills, memory, and vision in children— in addition to how they develop, and how delays are produced.
References
Spiegel, A. (2010). Children labeled 'bipolar' may get a new diagnosis. National Public Radio, Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123544191&ft=1&f=1001
Two brown faculty to study brain development in infants and children with bipolar disorder. (2009). Medical News Today, Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/173314.php
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The Urban Child Institute's Center for Urban Child Policy promotes the healthy brain development of young children through data-driven research and interventions.
Promoting optimal early childhood brain development
The Urban Child Institute's Center for Urban Child Policy promotes the healthy brain development of young children through data-driven research and interventions.
CUCP | Strategies
Assess current conditions that influence the healthy brain development of young children in Memphis and Shelby County.
Understand the implications of early childhood development.
Identify gaps in the safety net intended to support young children and their families.
Raise public and political awareness and concern with the healthy early brain development of children.
Understand the implications of early childhood development.
Identify gaps in the safety net intended to support young children and their families.
Raise public and political awareness and concern with the healthy early brain development of children.
CUCP | Core Beliefs
Between birth and age three, a child's brain develops at an astonishing pace. The early years are the most active period for establishing neural connections.
Children grow in an environment of relationships. Their healthy development depends on the well-being of their families and communities.
Brain plasticity decreases over time, and getting it right early is more effective and less costly to society.
By doing what we know how to do today - informed by best practices and data-driven research - we are making the investment necessary to insure a bright future for children and our community.
Children grow in an environment of relationships. Their healthy development depends on the well-being of their families and communities.
Brain plasticity decreases over time, and getting it right early is more effective and less costly to society.
By doing what we know how to do today - informed by best practices and data-driven research - we are making the investment necessary to insure a bright future for children and our community.
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