Recent research has proved the bidirectional relationship between pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) and bipolar disorder (BPD). Young people with BPD comorbid with PDD present with earlier onset and higher severity of mood disturbance, and young people with PDD with family history of BPD present with mood disturbance characterized by a severe cycling pattern and agitation along with neurovegetative disturbances. Treatment approaches include similar comprehensive psychosocial interventions targeting PDD symptomatology with the addition of psychopharmacological interventions to target comorbid mood symptoms. This population is more prone to adverse effects and can have an atypical response to psychoactive medications; it is recommended that medication be initiated at a low dose and titrated in small increments. Second-generation antipsychotics are effective with both the consequences of the PDD (aggression and irritability) and the comorbid mania but also carry the concerning adverse effects of weight gain and impaired glucose metabolism.
Keywords: pervasive developmental disorder, bipolar disorder, comorbidity, young people, clinical correlates