Individuals living with bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed at an
alarming rate. According to a recent survey conducted by the National
Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association (National DMDA), many
struggle with symptoms for an average of ten years before they are
correctly diagnosed by a physician. The numbers are really quite
staggering; only one in four receives an accurate diagnosis in a
period of less than three years. Moreover, the seven in ten who are
misdiagnosed have consulted at least four physicians and have been
diagnosed with other disorders an average of 3.5 times before their
illness is identified.
Also known as manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder is a complex
mental illness characterized by abnormal swings in mood from manic
episodes to episodes of deep depression interspersed with periods of
normal mood. Because the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual,
Fourth-Edition requires a manic episode to make a diagnosis of bipolar
disorder, many patients are initially diagnosed with other disorders.
A manic episode involves a distinct period of euphoria, elation and,
abnormal irritability, periods characterized by inflated self-esteem,
sleeplessness and other traits. As a result, depression is the most
common misdiagnosis for women, while men are more likely to be
misdiagnosed with schizophrenia. In some cases, misdiagnosis is a
function of symptom overlap; while other patients may truly have more
than one disorder.
Considered a chronic illness, the lack of proper treatment can affect
many aspects of people's lives, including marriage, friendships,
employment, finances and physical health. Though one should never
accept medical advice over the Internet as being specific to one's
symptoms, you may not be in that terrible of a position. Though there
wasn't much in regards to the affects of mistreatment, I did discover
it was important to include mood stabilizers in the treatment if
antidepressants have been prescribed. But you should definitely book
another appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to discuss
possible side affects. Though it usually takes several weeks for
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors to become effective (at least
in the treatment of depression), studies have also shown that
antidepressant treatment alone may induce mania in roughly one-third
of patients with known bipolar disorder. As well, an estimated one in
four persons with the illness attempts suicide, one of the highest
incidence-rates for any psychiatric disorder.
If you want to look at more articles related to this illness, I
suggest you check out Bipolar Disorder Research (
http://noetic.oathill.com/Bipolar/bipolar.html ). It provides links to
various articles on the subject, as well as links to pharmaceutical
suppliers, doctors and mental health associations which can not only
help you better understand the illness, but also the treatment
process.
Sources/References
HoyWeb.com – News: Accurate Diagnosis Eludes Millions With Bipolar
Disorder Treatment Outcomes
http://www.hoyweb.com/lh/bipolar5.htm
Bipolar Disorders Information Center:
http://www.mhsource.com/bipolar/bp0205missing.html
Missing the Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder: Treatment Implications
NewsWise: http://www.newswise.com/articles/2001/1/MISDIAG.APA.html
Reducing Misdiagnosis of Psychiatric Disorders
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