Bipolar affective disorder as the initial manifestation of multiple sclerosis

The association between bipolar affective disorder and multiple sclerosis continues to be poorly understood in view of the limited knowledge and research in this field. Here we present the case of a 43 year old female with bipolar affective disorder who later developed multiple sclerosis. The relationship between the two disorders is discussed in the light of relevant and pertinent literature. It is hypothesised that bipolar affective disorder may be the presenting manifestation of multiple sclerosis and should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients of bipolar affective disorder with neurological symptoms.