Bipolar disorder, once known as manic depression, is a mental health condition that can cause dramatic shifts in mood, energy, thinking, and the ability to function.
One of its main symptoms, mania, is signified by a state of exceptionally high energy, often accompanied by endangering behavior without regard to consequences, extreme elation, and a feeling of heightened self-confidence, self-importance, superiority, and grandeur. The counterpart, depression, features a pervasive sad or empty mood, decreased energy, and loss of interest in hobbies. These mood episodes are intense, and the fluctuation between mania and depression can be sudden and distinctly different in their manifestations.
If these symptoms can be so intense and visible, why is diagnosing bipolar disorder so challenging? Misdiagnoses are all too common, which can lead to a change in treatment, unresolved symptoms, and, inadvertently, more severe outcomes.
In this detailed guide, we'll explain why it can be difficult to diagnose bipolar disorder and what to do if you think you've been misdiagnosed.
Before exploring the complex diagnosis of bipolar disorder, it's essential to understand the basics. Bipolar disorder involves drastic mood fluctuations that can affect thought patterns, energy levels, and day-to-day functioning. It’s a chronic mental health condition that usually begins in late adolescence or early adulthood but can emerge at any age.
The American Psychiatric Association outlines the three types of bipolar disorders:
The process of diagnosing bipolar disorder can take time. Mental health professionals conduct a thorough assessment that includes speaking with you about symptoms, discussing family history, suggesting a physical exam, or considering other medical illnesses to explore potential causes of symptoms.
Preparation is key to getting an accurate diagnosis. Expect mental health professionals to ask about your personal and family psychiatric histories and symptoms. The doctor or licensed mental health professional might have a list of questions focused on the frequency and severity of the mood-related symptoms you’re experiencing.
To prepare: Start by documenting mood changes, sleep patterns, and any other behaviors that seem unusual for you. Also, make a list of any symptoms you are or have experienced and what happened, as well as any questions you have.
The diagnostic process for bipolar disorder might also include screening questionnaires and a series of tests to determine if other conditions might be causing mood-related symptoms.
These tests can include blood and urine tests to detect any underlying medical conditions, such as thyroid disease or vitamin deficiencies. Imaging scans like an MRI or CT scan could also be used to detect any brain anatomy or activity-related irregularities.
No matter anyone’s level of knowledge or preparation, it’s easy for all of us to get overwhelmed or have a difficult time processing all of the things we’re hearing when receiving any diagnosis. No matter what you’re diagnosed with, it’s important that you take the time to get all the information you need.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to take notes or ask the medical professional to slow down if you need time to understand and ask questions.
It’s alarmingly common. According to studies, approximately 70% of bipolar patients are initially misdiagnosed, with the most common false diagnoses being clinical depression or an anxiety disorder. Typically, an accurate diagnosis is only confirmed after 5 to 10 years from the first manic or depressive episode.
Some reasons for this high rate of misdiagnosis are associated with the inherently challenging nature of diagnosing bipolar disorder, including its symptom overlap with other mental health conditions and the variability in the duration, frequency, and intensity of mood swings for each individual.
Several factors contribute to the complex diagnostic process of bipolar disorder, including the following:
Its ability to look like other psychiatric conditions and manifest in various forms underscores the need for thorough and regular assessments and sharing an extensive personal and family history to get an accurate diagnosis.
Bipolar disorder is often confused with other psychiatric conditions due to similar symptoms, such as:
Understanding the distinct characteristics of mental illnesses may help you assess if you’ve received an accurate diagnosis or not.
If you feel you should have a bipolar disorder diagnosis, but were diagnosed with something else, there are several steps you can take. Consider doing these things:
Getting a bipolar diagnosis is the first step in treating and managing the disorder. By understanding the complexity of diagnosing this disorder, you can advocate for yourself, and live a more balanced life.
Through a combination of education and open dialogues with healthcare providers, you can break down the barriers to a more precise evaluation.
Bipolar treatment can also be more accessible. We make getting the treatment easier by offering affordable access to online medication management and virtual therapy sessions.
Explore more: Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder
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The information in this blog is provided as a general educational resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purpose. This information should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment and does not create any patient-physician relationship between you and Cerebral. Please consult your health care provider before making any health care decisions or to get guidance about a specific medical condition.
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