Is bipolar affective disorder underdiagnosed?

Author/s
Shokoufa Kashani, Eva Bongards, Mark Agius
Citation
Issue 3 Summer 2013
CEPiP.2013;1:43-48
Abstract

This article reviews the epidemiological evidence that bipolar affective disorder is often underdiagnosed and hence ineffectively treated. In order to mitigate this problem, all patients with depression should be systematically assessed using a full longitudinal history in order to detect hypomanic symptoms, as well as a family history. This is expected to lead to more appropriate diagnosis, and consequently treatment, of bipolar affective disorder.

Keywords: bipolar affective disorder, unipolar depression, underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis

Cite as: Cutting Edge Psychiatry in Practice 2013, 3(1):43-48; https://doi.org/10.65031/pzfj2395

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