Etiology (Biopsychosocial Model)

Biological: Genetic predisposition (~15–50% risk of conversion to bipolar I/II)

Psychological: Emotion dysregulation, temperament traits

Social: Unstable environments, interpersonal difficulties

Prevalence

Lifetime prevalence: 0.4%–2.5%; equally common in males and females

Symptoms & Diagnosis (Mnemonic: MOODY)

• M - Mood swings (hypomanic & depressive) over 2 years (1 in kids)
• O - On and off symptoms (≥50% of time)
• O - Out of full episode range (criteria not fully met)
• D - Duration of symptoms with no >2-month break
• Y - Yields functional distress or impairment

Treatment

Mood stabilizers: (e.g., lithium, valproate)

CBT and Interpersonal Therapy

Psychoeducation and lifestyle regularity