Bipolar Disorder Is Frequently Misdiagnosed

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Bipolar Disorder Is Frequently Misdiagnosed

• Only 1 in 5 patients with bipolar disorder is
  correctly diagnosed by a physician
• Those incorrectly diagnosed were more likely to
  be female, poorer, and have greater impairment
• Delay of treatment may reduce the efficacy of
  certain pharmacological agents (eg, lithium)
• 1 in 3 is misdiagnosed as having unipolar
  depression, perhaps due to the prevalence of the
  depressive phase of the illness

Data based on MDQ positive scores, not clinical
diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Hirschfeld RM, et
al. J Clin Psychiatry. 20036453-59.