Is all depression the same?

  How can major depressive disorder (depression) be incorrectly
    diagnosed?

  Antidepressants & bipolar disorder

  How you can help

Is all depression the same?

Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder (depression) . Although bipolar disorder and depression do have some symptoms in common, they are two different conditions that require distinct treatments.

Unfortunately, misdiagnosis is fairly common. In a recent survey of bipolar sufferers, a majority of patients indicated they initially received an inaccurate diagnosis of major depressive disorder (depression).

How can major depressive disorder (depression) be incorrectly diagnosed?

When you consider that bipolar disorder involves depressive episodes at certain times in the illness, it’s understandable how a misdiagnosis of major depressive disorder (depression) can happen:

• Some individuals don’t seek help until they are deep in a depression and are entirely focused on those symptoms
• Other individuals may not have recognized past manic episodes—or they simply don’t remember them
• Still others may experience depression as their very first episode, and they may not have a manic episode until some time in the future
• In general, there is high public awareness of depression; people can recognize the symptoms and know to look for help. In contrast, bipolar disorder—and especially the symptoms of mania—are not as widely recognized. This program and others like it aim to change this situation and increase awareness

Antidepressants and bipolar disorder

For people who are correctly diagnosed with depression, antidepressant medications are often highly effective. But in individuals who have undiagnosed bipolar disorder, antidepressants can sometimes do more harm than good. A few facts:

• Antidepressants may trigger manic episodes in some people with bipolar disorder
• Antidepressants may simply be ineffective in bipolar individuals. Poor response to antidepressants could be a sign that the depression diagnosis is incorrect
• When correct treatment for bipolar disorder is delayed (because correct diagnosis was delayed), the bipolar treatment may be less effective

Remember, there are very effective medications for bipolar disorder.
But they are different from the medications commonly prescribed for major depressive disorder (depression). To get the right treatment, you need a correct diagnosis.

How you can help

Diagnosis is most successful when there is open, honest dialogue between patients and their doctors. Details about behaviors—both past and present—are crucial to identifying symptoms. Family members can often help by filling in gaps and providing the “full picture” for their loved one and the doctor.

Next: Treatment options >>>