Toward Effective Early Intervention and Prevention Strategies for Major Affective Disorders: A Review of Antecedents and Risk Factors

Abstract

Conclusions: Substantial evidence supports the effectiveness ofearly intervention and prevention efforts in children at riskfor mood disorders (identified as having affectedfamily members) and in adolescents manifesting significant mood symptoms and syndromes (especially if associated with a positive family history). However, the current level of understanding regarding the etiological significance and mechanism ofrisk factors associated with mood disorders does not support broad community-based primary prevention strategies in unselected populations.(Can J Psychiatry 2000;45:340-348)

The early manifestations of bipolar disorder: a longitudinal prospective study of the offspring of bipolar parents

“…From this and other studies, a particularly helpful predictor of BD remains a positive family history, especially in first‐degree relatives (81–83). If this approach is to be useful, the accuracy of the family history is paramount.…”

The Benefits of Equine-Assisted Activities: An Exploratory Study

“…Based on lower cost, EAA interventions, or similar animal based interventions using smaller animals may have the potential to be more widespread and facilitate primary and secondary, as opposed to tertiary interventions. This would be promising when considering the greater outcomes associated with earlier intervention periods (Fite et al 2008;Duffy 2000). Social work involves enabling people to get the help they need from the resources available, throughout the lifespan.…”

Cognitive vulnerability to bipolar disorder in offspring of parents with bipolar disorder

“…Bipolar disorder is one of the most serious psychiatric disorders, often with a lifelong impact on affected individuals and their families. Heritability has been estimated between 65% and 85%, and positive family history in first‐degree relatives has remained the strongest predictor of future illness (Duffy, ; Merikangas, Prusoff, & Weissman, ).…”