Bipolar Disorder in Youth: Scoping Review on Approaches to Detection and Early Intervention

Youth aged 12-24 years experience the highest incidence of mental health and substance use disorders of any age group, including bipolar disorder (BD). However, fewer than 50% of these youth receive the services they need to support them.

With support from the Daymark Foundation, Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) conducted a scoping review to identify existing knowledge, knowledge gaps, and evidence-based approaches for early detection and intervention for youth with/at risk of developing BD. This included a literature review and stakeholder consultations with researchers, youth and youth caregivers/supporters, and service providers.

This review identified critical knowledge gaps and challenges, including:

• A general shortage of research focused on youth BD

• Limited service provider capacity to detect and support youth with BD

• Poor availability of services and access barriers

• Lack of knowledge of BD among youth and fear of seeking help due to stigma

• The need for clinical guidelines and a range of evidence-based interventions to offer to youth.