Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects millions of people across the globe. It’s a condition that is marked by extreme mood swings, from manic highs to crushing lows.

However, bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, which can have significant consequences for those living with the condition. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the reasons why bipolar disorder is often delayed in diagnosis and explore the potential consequences of this delay.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Before we dive into the causes of delayed diagnosis, it’s important to understand what bipolar disorder is. There are three types of bipolar disorder:.

Bipolar I involves manic episodes that last at least seven days or manic symptoms that are severe enough to be hospitalized.
Bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes that last at least four days and depressive episodes that last at least two weeks.
Cyclothymic disorder involves periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms that last at least two years, but the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of bipolar I or II.

Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose because it shares many symptoms with other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.

The symptoms of bipolar disorder typically begin in adolescence or young adulthood, but it may take years for an accurate diagnosis to be made.

Causes of Delayed Diagnosis

There are a number of reasons why bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. Here are a few of the key causes:.

Misunderstanding of Symptoms

Many people with bipolar disorder initially seek treatment for depression or anxiety, which can lead to a misdiagnosis.

This is because the manic or hypomanic episode of bipolar disorder often goes unnoticed or is mistaken for a period of high productivity. The depressive episode that follows the manic episode is then mistaken for depression or anxiety.

Stigma

Mental health still carries a significant stigma in many parts of the world. This can prevent people from seeking help when they notice symptoms of bipolar disorder.

They may fear being labeled as “crazy” or being deemed “unfit” for certain jobs or roles in society. This causes many people to delay seeking treatment, which can lead to the condition worsening over time.

Medical Conditions

Many medical conditions can mimic the symptoms of bipolar disorder, such as thyroid disorders or neurological disorders. If an underlying medical condition is not identified and treated, it can lead to a delayed bipolar disorder diagnosis.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Drug and alcohol abuse can cause mood swings and other symptoms that mimic bipolar disorder. For this reason, many people with bipolar disorder are initially misdiagnosed as having a substance abuse problem.

This can delay appropriate treatment that addresses the underlying bipolar condition.

Lack of Knowledge and Training

Not all healthcare providers are trained to accurately diagnose bipolar disorder. Some may not be familiar with the condition or may misunderstand the symptoms.

This can lead to a failure to diagnose or a misdiagnosis that can delay appropriate treatment.

Consequences of Delayed Diagnosis

Delayed diagnosis of bipolar disorder can have significant consequences for those living with the condition. Here are a few of the key consequences:.

Increased Risk of Substance Abuse

As noted above, drug and alcohol abuse can mimic the symptoms of bipolar disorder. If a person is struggling with undiagnosed bipolar disorder, they may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their symptoms.

This can lead to a cycle of substance abuse that exacerbates the underlying condition.

Deterioration of Relationships

Mood swings and unpredictable behavior can be challenging for loved ones to understand. If a person with bipolar disorder is not receiving appropriate treatment, their relationships with family and friends can suffer as a result.

Increased Risk of Suicide

Untreated bipolar disorder carries a high risk of suicide. Delayed or incorrect diagnosis can prevent a person from getting the treatment they need to manage their condition and lower their risk of suicide.

Financial Consequences

Untreated bipolar disorder can lead to job loss and financial instability. A person experiencing mood swings and other symptoms may struggle to maintain steady employment or may make financial decisions that are not in their best interests.

Impact on Overall Health

Untreated bipolar disorder can lead to a variety of health problems, including substance abuse, poor nutrition, and other physical health problems. This can lead to a decreased quality of life and an increased risk of other health problems.

Conclusion

Delayed diagnosis of bipolar disorder can have significant consequences for those living with the condition.

It’s important for healthcare providers to be trained in recognizing the symptoms of bipolar disorder so that appropriate treatment can be provided. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, seek out medical attention as soon as possible to prevent further complications.