Bipolar disorder is misdiagnosed as depression in over a quarter of cases, a new study suggests. The research is presented today at the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ 2009 Annual Meeting in Liverpool.

Psychiatrists Dr Krishna Gangineni and Dr Richard Annear, who work in Wales, reviewed the medical notes of people referred to psychiatric services for assessment.

They found that over 25% of the patients with bipolar disorder had initially had their condition misdiagnosed as unipolar depression.

Misdiagnosis often occurs because the symptoms of bipolar disorder overlap with depression and other psychiatric disorders. However, misdiagnosis can cause serious problems. For example, if people are wrongly prescribed antidepressants this can make their bipolar illness worse.

Dr Gangineni and Dr Annear said: “Our study found that bipolar disorder was misdiagnosed as unipolar disorder in more than 25% of the patients who first see a mental health professional.

“Recognition of bipolar disorder and its adequate treatment is paramount because bipolar disorder exacts such as a high personal and societal toll, with high rates of suicide and interpersonal problems and a substantial economic burden.”

Reference:
Annual Meeting of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, BT Convention Centre, Liverpool, 2 -5 June 2009

Source
Royal College of Psychiatrists

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Nearly 1,000 researchers, clinicians and mental health advocates are expected to attend the Eighth International Conference on Bipolar Disorder, June 25 to 27, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. The event is held only once every two years and is the largest meeting of its kind solely devoted to bipolar disorder, a disease that affects almost six million Americans.

Top medical institutions from around the world will present new research covering the classification of bipolar disorders, revolutionary technologies such as genomics and brain imaging, optimizing current treatments of bipolar depression, advances in neurobiology and genetics, psychoeducation and psychotherapy, medical risk prevention and intervention, and international perspectives on bipolar disorder.

The first two days of the program will consist of scientific sessions on topics including: clinical trial data, genetics, neuroscience, imaging, psychosocial treatments, childhood bipolar disorder, diagnostic issues, substance abuse, medical comorbidities and suicide. Saturday’s program will focus on diagnostic criteria and planning for the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), clinical trials and international perspectives on bipolar disorder. Other events include advanced psychotherapy workshops on cognitive behavioral therapy, family focused therapy, and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy. Advocacy-related forums will take place throughout the conference. Each day will include sessions for both clinicians and for individuals who have bipolar disorder and their families.

A staffed press room will be available on site, and media briefings will be held Thursday, June 25, and Friday, June 26. To register as press, please contact Megan Grote Quatrini at GroteME@upmc.edu or call UPMC Media Relations at (412) 647-3555. Press room guidelines, preliminary scientific program and hotel information are available at http://www.8thbipolar.org.

The Eighth International Conference on Bipolar Disorder is being sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC.

Source
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

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