4. Discussion
The broader aim of this study was to add to the body of literature
exploring early signs of development of BD, to aid in increasing early
detection of BD and improving preventative measures. Specifically, it
aimed to investigate early psychopathological behaviors in children
at-risk of developing BD and to explore the association of interpersonal
trauma with these behaviors. Using this large dataset, it was observed
that the at-risk group experienced a higher number of manic symptoms
compared to the control group at baseline, and more depressive, SAD, and
GAD symptoms at the two-year follow-up. Additionally, the number of
children endorsing at least one depressive, SAD, or GAD symptom was
significantly greater in the at-risk group than in the control group at
the two-year follow-up. Surprisingly, there was no statistically
significant difference in the expression of psychopathological symptoms
between the trauma and no-trauma subgroups within the at-risk group.