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.