Conference paper

UNDER-DIAGNOSIS OF BIPOLAR AFFECTIVE DISORDER IN A BEDFORD CMHT

Mark Agius ; South Essex Partnership University Foundation NHS Trust, UK ;Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
Catherine Louise Murphy ; South London and Maudsley Partnership Foundation NHS Trust, UK
Rashid Zaman ; South Essex Partnership University Foundation NHS Trust, UK ;Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK

Abstract

Background: Bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed or diagnosed late. Misdiagnosis of Bipolar Disorder can have serious
implications for prognosis and treatment of this condition.
Method: Patients in a Community Mental Health Team were systematically screened for Bipolar Disorder.
Results: There was a substantial increase in the number of bipolar patients diagnosed in the Community Mental Health Team.
Discussion: The frequent misdiagnosis of Bipolar II disorder frequently leads to the treatment of these patients with antidepressants
only.This leads to the possibility of patients becoming elated in mood, or going into mixed states, which can lead to
increased suicidality.
Conclusion: Appropriate diagnosis of bipolar II disorder requires skills at present found in secondary care. Such patients should
therefore be referred to secondary care. Both Primary and Secondary care should be more aware of this diagnosis and its
consequences

Keywords

Bipolar Disorder; misdiagnosis; screening

Hrčak ID:

262367

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/262367

Publication date:

14.9.2010.

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