Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis Delays: Why GPs Often Miss the Warning Signs

Summary

Leah Charles-King, a TV presenter, experienced a 9.5-year delay in receiving a bipolar diagnosis — matching the national average. She was misprescribed an SSRI antidepressant without a bipolar diagnosis, which triggered her worst episode. The article highlights how GPs often miss early warning signs of bipolar disorder, leading to delayed intervention and increased risk of crisis. It calls for better GP education on distinguishing bipolar from unipolar depression, particularly noting red flags like antidepressant-induced mania, family history, and sleep disturbances.

Source

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