Bipolar disorder is one of the most misdiagnosed disorders seen in any individual. There are two major types of bipolar disorder, and obviously, those around you are more likely to notice type 1 as it is far more extreme. But especially when you have type 2, the mood swings are not quite as severe being that most of the time, they tend to be more depressed than anything else. But even with type 1, especially if you are counting on self descriptions, it is misdiagnosed the high majority of the time!

Because of the major symptoms, bipolar disorder has been misdiagnosed as many different things, even when symptoms are reported by friends or family. It has been seen as narcissistic, borderline disorder, histrionic, or even schizotypal personality disorders depending on the severity of manic phases and other parts. But bipolar disorder is most commonly misdiagnosed because the professional is only given one side.

There are two major types of that kind of disorder. Unipolar would describe depression or other one sided disorders. But most of the time, the average bipolar individual will only report the depressive episodes. They will not report their manic phases, because understandably, they enjoy it. They get a lot done, they feel on top of the world, and it is only when they drop that they notice or complain about a problem.

Bipolar disorder can be similar to quite a few other disorders, and it is most commonly misdiagnosed as depression for the above stated reasons. Most are self reporting the feelings they are having, and they fail to report the many manic moments. It can obviously be extremely dangerous, especially with Type 1, as they can literally change between extremes of mood within just seconds. But treatment of certain kinds is extremely important. It’s not that you necessarily have to have lithium anymore. But an antidepressant can send a severely bipolar disorder into the other deep end.

There are many other multi use formulas that have been targeted toward problems with bipolar disorder. Some are likely to cause fatigue and other common side effects, and others have relatively mild side effects at worst. But this type of depression and this variance requires specialized treatment that should be carefully supervised and taken care of by an experienced doctor.