How would you feel if you had to wait 10 years or longer to get an accurate diagnosis of a medical problem like cancer, heart disease, or liver disease? It seems unconscionable. Unfortunately, that’s what happens to more than one-third of people with bipolar disorder, according to research in the
Journal of Affective Disorders. It takes a decade or more for them to get diagnosed. And the
average length of time to get a bipolar disorder diagnosis is 7.5 years, according to other
research in the same journal.
An astounding 69% of people with bipolar disorder are initially misdiagnosed. Getting an inaccurate diagnosis leads to treatment that is not only ineffective but that can also make the condition worse. It’s one of the reasons why bipolar disorder can be so destructive and can ruin your life. Imagine taking medicine for a heart condition for years and then finding out you actually had cancer.
Why is bipolar disorder so hard to diagnose? There are several reasons, but first, let’s take a closer look at the condition.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a cyclic mood disorder that includes both manic episodes and depressive episodes. These episodes are associated with dramatic changes in moods, energy levels, and activity.
Manic episodes are characterized by:
- an abnormally elevated mood
- inflated self-esteem
- grandiose ideas
- racing thoughts
- poor judgment that leads to risk-taking behavior
- a decreased need for sleep
- delusions or hallucinations
Depressive episodes are associated with:
- sad or negative moods
- loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities
- feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
- decreased energy
- suicidal thoughts and behavior
5 Reasons Why Bipolar Disorder is So Often Misdiagnosed
1. It often starts with depressive symptoms.
One of the reasons why this condition is so often misdiagnosed is because the first signs are often depression rather than mania, according to a review in the journal
Psychiatry. This means many people seek treatment for depression and are often prescribed antidepressants, which aren’t effective for bipolar disorder. As a result, nearly 40% of people with bipolar disorder are initially diagnosed with depressive disorder.
2. Co-occurring mental health conditions.
Among people with bipolar disorder, 62% also meet the clinical criteria for
ADD/ADHD, according to a study in
Clinical Psychology. Anxiety disorders,
panic disorders,
obsessive compulsive disorder, social phobias,
eating disorders, and some
personality disorders are also seen with bipolar disorder. In children and adolescents, bipolar disorder may also co-exist with
oppositional defiant disorder and other conduct disorders.
3. Co-existing substance abuse.
Adding to the difficulty of getting an accurate diagnosis is the common abuse of alcohol or drugs among people with bipolar disorder. Some
studies have noted that in people with the condition as many as 69% abuse alcohol and up to 60% abuse drugs.
Substance use can cause symptoms that are similar to those seen in bipolar disorder, including emotional highs and lows and major swings in energy levels.
4. Hidden brain injuries.
At Amen Clinics, the global leader in brain health,
brain SPECT imaging reveals that many people who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder have signs of undetected
traumatic brain injury. Head trauma can cause many of the same symptoms seen in bipolar disorder. Among patients at Amen Clinics, healing the brain can be beneficial in decreasing those symptoms.
5. Medication isn’t the only option.
In the traditional medical and psychiatric community, bipolar disorder is generally treated with medication. The psychiatrists and physicians at Amen Clinics are not opposed to
medication, but it should never be the only thing you do for your condition. Adopting brain healthy habits—including healthy
nutrition, exercise, lifestyle changes,
nutritional supplements, and helpful forms of
therapy— in addition to medication (when necessary) can be powerfully beneficial components of an effective treatment plan for bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder—as well as ADD/ADHD, anxiety, and other mental health issues—can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time.
At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.
