Bipolar Disorder can be missed for years because people only seek help when they feel low or depressed. For many, the first episode is depressive. Without a history of mania, a doctor will naturally diagnose Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This wrong diagnosis causes delays in getting proper treatment. According to the research, patients with bipolar disorder are often diagnosed with other illnesses, sometimes in the initial phase.
Why Does Bipolar Disorder Go Unnoticed for So Long?
Bipolar disorder goes unnoticed for so long because not everyone experiences it the same way. There are chances that you can have bipolar disorder without even knowing it. The following are the reasons why it slips under the radar:
Depressive Phases
When the inevitable low comes, that's when people seek help. The depression feels unbearable and interferes with your life. And that's why you go to the healthcare specialist.
This is how someone can go through their late twenties, thirties, or even longer without knowing they have the condition. The depressive episodes get all the attention, while the manic or hypomanic ones go unreported.
Shows up in Episodes
One of the biggest reasons bipolar disorder goes undiagnosed is that it occurs in phases or episodes. You might feel mania or hypomania on some days and stable moods on other days.
As compared to regular mood swings, it has more intensity, which often causes disruption in normal daily life.
There Are No Clear Tests
There are no medical tests that show that someone has bipolar disorder. A mental healthcare professional can only diagnose it based on the life history and emotional feelings that you tell them, which can be misleading sometimes.
If you don't realize certain experiences were symptoms, or if you forget to mention them, they won't make it into your medical record.
Self-Medication and Substance Abuse
Many people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder unknowingly self-medicate with alcohol, drugs, or other substances. During depressive phases, you might drink to numb the pain. When you mask the emotional imbalances, you make the diagnosis more complicated.
If you don’t give them proper context, the healthcare providers might focus on treating the addiction without realizing there's a mood disorder fueling the substance use in the first place.
Early Signs Are Extremely Subtle
Early signs of bipolar disorder, if they show up in teens, often blend into the personality and make it more complicated to diagnose.
Mood swings, sleep disturbances, minor behavioural shifts, and social withdrawal are the most common subtle signs of bipolar disorder. These signs don't cause many issues in daily life, which is why it is possible for someone to have bipolar disorder without being aware of it until adulthood (late 20s).
Can You Be Born With Bipolar Disorder and Not Know It Until Later in Life?
Yes, you can be born with bipolar disorder and not know it until much later in life because it has a strong genetic component, which means you can be born with a tendency to develop it. However, the prominent symptoms can develop later in life.
How Do You Know If You Have Bipolar Disorder?
There are mainly two types of signs that show that you might have bipolar disorder:
Manic/Hypomanic Signs:
- Elevated or irritable mood, feeling euphoric.
- High energy, racing thoughts, talking fast.
- Excessive spending, reckless driving.
During Depressive Episodes:
- Persistent sadness or emptiness
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Significant changes in sleep or appetite
There are some symptoms of bipolar disorder that may go unnoticed by the person experiencing them.
- Fast, rapid, and incoherent speech patterns, and constantly jumping between unrelated topics.
- Mild concentration issues or memory problems.
- Mixed states blend highs and lows.
- Emotional numbness or isolation.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Bipolar Disorder?
Be Honest About Your Full Experience
When you see a doctor or therapist, don't just talk about the lows. Mention the times when you felt unusually energized.
Keep a Mood Journal
Track your mood, energy levels, sleep patterns, and behaviors over several weeks or months. This can help you and your healthcare provider see patterns in your emotions.
Seek a Specialist
Consult with a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience with mood disorders. They're trained to spot the nuances accurately.
Talk to a Professional Therapist Today
A qualified therapist or psychiatrist at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates can help you make sense of your symptoms, provide an accurate diagnosis, and create a treatment plan.