Factor structure of manic symptoms in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the factor structure of manic symptoms in adolescents as assessed by the Scale for Manic States (SMS).

METHOD

Pattern of symptoms was assessed in a group of 100 adolescents with a diagnosis of manic episode as defined by the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision - Diagnostic Criteria for Research. A principal component analysis of the broad range of psychiatric symptoms covered by the SMS was conducted.

RESULTS

Seven eigenvalues were greater than unity, and parallel analysis revealed 5 factors, whereas scree plot was inconclusive. Five-factor solution as obtained by parallel analysis was chosen, which described our data appropriately and were clinically relevant. The 5 factors were: aggressive overactivity, dysphoria, psychosis, hedonia, and thought retardation. These captured 58.14% of the total variance.

CONCLUSIONS

These 5 factors explain the clinical dimensions in adolescent mania similar to those of the adult population. Nevertheless, certain features, such as presence of psychosis along with euphoric mood and thought retardation, distinguish adolescent from adult mania.