2016•BMJRequires access
One in 10 patients on antidepressants may have unrecognised bipolar disorder
Susan Mayor
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Abstract
Nearly one in 10 younger adults given antidepressants for depression or anxiety may have unrecognised bipolar disorder, a UK primary care study has shown.1
Bipolar disorder often presents with depression and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients tend not to recognise symptoms indicating mania—such as increased energy or being easily distracted—as abnormal, so they may not report them unless asked specifically. As a result they may be given antidepressants but not mood stabilisers, and this can increase the …