Evanston, IL—A nationwide survey released today by the The Balanced Mind Foundation (The Balanced Mind Foundation) shows that over 60% of the children of respondents have been hospitalized at least once and nearly 40% have had multiple hospitalizations, highlighting the severity of pediatric bipolar disorder and the need for support for patients and their families.

The The Balanced Mind Foundation (The Balanced Mind Foundation) calls for further research on pediatric bipolar disorder following the release of a study that reveals a 40-fold increase in the diagnosis of this devastating illness in the past ten years. The study, published in the Archives of General Psychiatry [Sept 2007], is a national wake-up call: “Children have been suffering from bipolar disorder all along, just like adults, but science has recognized this only for the past decade or so.  In the 21st century, children are being diagnosed and treated when they were previously dismissed as 'bad seeds' or the product of poor parenting,” states Susan Resko, M.M., Executive Director of The Balanced Mind Foundation.   

WILMETTE, IL, -- The The Balanced Mind Foundation (The Balanced Mind Foundation), an advocacy organization providing education and support for families, has acquired depressedteens.com, an educational site for teens, their parents, and teachers. The site appeals directly to teen audiences, to help them recognize signs of depressive disorders, communicate openly, and seek treatment. It presents information about teen depression and bipolar disorder, and encourages reflection and discussion among young people watching the award-winning film Day for Night: Recognizing Teenage Depression. The Balanced Mind Foundation will also distribute a DVD of the 30-minute film.