It's estimated that about 4.4% of U.S. adults experience bipolar disorder at some point during their lives. Bipolar disorder- also known as manic depressive illness or bipolar depression- is a serious mental health condition characterized by shifts in energy, mood, and overall functioning.
That said, bipolar disorder may be misdiagnosed. An incorrect diagnosis can result in several issues, particularly with medication or types of therapy treatment.
If you don't agree with your current diagnosis- or have questions about other potential mental health concerns- it's worth sharing these thoughts with a psychiatrist, primary care physician, or another qualified mental health professional.
Understanding Common Bipolar Misdiagnoses
Many people live with undiagnosed bipolar disorder for several years before receiving proper care and attention. At the same time, some people are also prematurely diagnosed with bipolar disorder even if another mental health issue can better explain their symptoms.
An accurate diagnosis of bipolar disorder requires specialized care and a full, comprehensive overview of numerous factors, including past and current symptoms (including atypical symptoms), family history, and discerning other physical conditions.
Major Depressive Disorder
People with depressive episodes may be misdiagnosed with bipolar II disorder, especially if they experience brief moments of heightened energy or brightened mood. However, these symptoms alone do not necessarily indicate hypomania or mania, leading to improper diagnosing.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
The clinical symptoms present in ADHD (impulsivity, hyperactivity, concentration problems, and bursts of energy) may look similar to the presentation of bipolar disorder. In some cases, the diagnoses may coexist. However, it's also possible for people with bipolar disorder to be misdiagnosed with ADHD or vice versa.
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder refers to a combined presentation of mood disorder symptoms with psychotic symptoms, including delusions and hallucinations. The difference between bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder is people with schizoaffective disorder have psychotic symptoms in the absence of mood disorder symptoms. However, if people with bipolar disorder experience psychosis, it occurs within the context of depressive episodes or manic episodes.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder is a complex personality disorder that refers to pervasive fears of abandonment and a limited sense of individual identity. People with borderline personality disorder tend to experience heightened mood swings, which can look like manic episodes. However, these swings are often short-lived and connected to situational stressors. Manic episodes, on the other hand, last several days or weeks and do not necessarily have a specific trigger.
Substance-Induced Mood Disorder
Substance abuse unquestionably affects mood, energy, impulsivity, and more. This is why it's so important to rule out drug or alcohol abuse when discerning a bipolar diagnosis. If someone is still actively using substances, the effects of them inherently impact bipolar diagnostic criteria. Therefore, most clinicians often wait to assess symptoms after a significant period of abstinence.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
OCD and bipolar disorder share some symptoms, including racing thoughts, impulsivity, and relational challenges. However, people with OCD generally do not experience the patterns of manic and depressive episodes. Instead, the core feature of OCD is recurrent obsessions and compulsions.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) refers to the lasting impact of substance withdrawal that can persist for several months or years into abstinence. People with PAWS may experience emotional instability, impulsivity, and moodiness. However, these symptoms tend to be related to weaning off the substances and do not meet the full criteria for depressive or manic episodes.
What to Do If You Have a Misdiagnosis of Bipolar Disorder
Diagnosing any mental illness can be subjective, and recent research shows that up to 40% of people with bipolar disorder do not have the correct diagnosis. If you suspect a misdiagnosis, you are not alone.
To address an inaccurate bipolar disorder diagnosis, it may be helpful to consider the following guidelines:
Get a second opinion: Consult with a new mental health professional to review your symptoms and discuss your history. Make sure that you articulate any past mental health diagnoses, physical health symptoms, or substance use.
Consider psychological testing: Comprehensive assessments focused on the specific nature of recurrent episodes of depression, mania, and/or hypomania can differentiate between bipolar disorder and other mental health concerns.
Focus on treatment that works: Ultimately, a diagnosis (even an accurate one) is not indicative of your entire identity. It's more important to connect to treatment (therapy, medication, and healthy lifestyle changes) that promotes a sense of internal balance and emotional well-being.
Mental Health Treatment for Bipolar Disorder and Recurrent Depression
At Resurface Group, we treat bipolar disorder patients and individuals experiencing manic episodes, depressive episodes, psychotic symptoms, and other serious mental disorders. We are here to help you or your loved one live a full, meaningful life.
We offer a variety of mental health services to patients residing in California. Our dynamic Resurface Connect is a comprehensive, virtual IOP dedicated to community, support, and evidence-based care- and it's in-network with most major health insurance plans.
Contact us today to learn more about our various programs!
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