Mood symptoms in adult bipolar disorder are associated with increased proinflammatory markers and decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We examined serum interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and BDNF among 30 bipolar disorder adolescents. Hypomanic/manic symptoms were positively associated with hsCRP. BDNF levels were negatively associated with interleukin-6. Forty percent had cardiovascular high-risk hsCRP levels. Larger longitudinal studies are warranted.

OB is excessively prevalent among adolescents with BP and is associated with proxies for illness severity, including suicide attempts. Additional research is warranted to identify strategies to prevent and treat OB among BP adolescents, and to elucidate processes underlying the elevated risk of suicide attempts.