can bi polar be misdiagnosed as depression and aniexty
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1/22/09 1:07pm
Hi, Pamela. Most definitely. In fact, the usual pattern is for bipolar to go unrecognized for years. When an individual finally seeks help, it tends to be while depressed, which results in a misdiagnosis. Often, the misdiagnosis is not corrected for years.
Also, bipolars tend to have some anxiety features, so this is an added complication.
This does not necessarily mean you have been wrongly diagnosed. But it doesn't hurt to keep the possibility in mind and to raise the issue with your psychiatrist.
1/29/09 9:47am
Yes. My ex was misdiagnosed with those exact things. When the drug they put him on didn't help, and when he was finally honest with the new Dr, they diagnosed him properly.
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By pamela— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 01/22/09
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