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The Compelling and Persistent Problem of Bipolar Disorder Disguised as Major Depression Disorder: An Integrative
Brandie M Stiles1, Anne F Fish2, Roxanne Vandermause3
11 Brandie M. Stiles, PhD, MSN, PMHNP-BC, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Centerpointe Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Background:
Up to 40% of patients with bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed, usually with major depression disorder.
Objective:
The purpose was to describe the current state of the science of the misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder, with the ultimate goal of improving psychiatric diagnostic workups including screening.
Design:
An integrative review was conducted using standard criteria for evaluating research articles.
Results:
Forty-nine articles met the eligibility criteria. Articles explored patient-related and health care provider-related factors contributing to the misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder as well as consequences of misdiagnosis. Clinically oriented, reliable, and valid screening tools for bipolar disorder also were reviewed.
Conclusions:
Awareness of multiple, challenging patient-related factors and more comprehensive assessment and screening by health care providers may reduce misdiagnosis.
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