Citation

Young AH. J. Clin. Psychiatry 2009; 70(8): e26.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Physicians Postgraduate Press)

DOI

10.4088/JCP.7067br6c

PMID

19758515

Abstract

Many patients with bipolar disorder are initially misdiagnosed. Clinicians may incorrectly diagnose bipolar disorder as unipolar depression, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, or substance use disorder. The consequences of misdiagnosis can include intensified manic symptoms, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of suicide. To correctly diagnose patients with bipolar disorder, clinicians must be aware of associated comorbidities and methods of differentiating bipolar disorder from other illnesses.

Language: en

Keywords

Bipolar Disorder; Comorbidity; Depressive Disorder; Diagnosis, Differential; Diagnostic Errors; Humans; Quality of Life; Risk Factors; Schizophrenia; Suicide