Bipolar Disorder is Often Misdiagnosed as Depression
Bipolar disorder is often mistakenly diagnosed as depression, and the error occurs in nearly half of all sufferers. There are specific behaviors associated with bipolar disorder that may help the medical community make a more accurate diagnosis, according to a study out last month from the University of Texas Health Science Center.
The University of Texas study follows up on previous studies from the UK and the US which identify the problem, but the Texas researchers seek to help identify the characteristics that can be used to differentiate the diagnosis of the two disorders to ensure that those suffering from bipolar disorder get the treatment they need before symptoms get out of hand.
The researchers have identified five key characteristics that may be able to help psychiatrists and physicians diagnose bipolar disorder at an earlier age, with extreme mood swings being the main differentiator.
Bipolar disorder is a wide spectrum disorder that describes the experience of sufferers who swing between feeling extremely sad and depressed and extremely hyper and creative. Because the mood swings are not always as severe, it can be more difficult to identify the difference between bipolar disorder and depression.
The problem with the failed diagnosis is that while antidepressants can be effective for treating depression and anxiety, it is not an appropriate treatment for those suffering from bipolar disorder. In fact, antidepressants can actually amplify and worsen the symptoms of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder should be treated with a mood-stabilizing drug.
The five characteristics that can help physicians and mental health professionals make more accurate diagnoses include:
- Family history of bipolar or manic depressive disorder
- More than two previous episodes of mood swings
- Onset of symptoms before age 30
- A history of extreme mood swings
- Symptoms of both mania and depression occurring together