Bipolar disorder diagnosis can be complicated, due to the mood swings that make up the manic-depressive disorder. Because the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder can also look like Borderline Personality Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, ADHD, Schizophrenia, or other other mood disorders, some studies have argued that bipolar disorder is overdiagnosed. However, other studies have found that the disorder can be underdiagnosed, or misdiagnosed when compared to other psychiatric disorders. One study of outpatients found that not only is there a problem with underdiagnosis of bipolar disorder, but also an equal if not greater problem exists with overdiagnosis.1
In cases of misdiagnosis, or misattribution of symptoms to another disorder, the consequences of misdiagnosis can result in ineffective treatment, which may even further worsen the outcome of the management of bipolar disorder.2 Because bipolar disorder is a manic-depressive mental illness, the depressive symptoms may be the only ones a patient draws attention to when seeking help, and as a result, a psychopharmacology treatment may completely miss the manic mood episodes, only treating depression.
There are variables to be considered in all diagnostic criteria, whether it’s observation of clinical practice, diagnostic interviews, false positives, unreliable family history, or leading questionnaires. There are also variables of comorbidity that may lead to faulty psychiatric diagnoses. If you or a loved one are struggling, and you’re unsure of your mental health diagnosis, call and get started with our AMFM Mental Health Treatment, where these biases can be taken into consideration and treated on a comprehensive and holistic basis.
AMFM is here to help you or your loved one take the next steps towards an improved mental well-being.
If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, whether it’s major depressive disorder or bipolar depression, don’t hesitate to call AMFM Mental Health Treatment for support today.
Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) may look very similar at first glance, due to the impulsive and extreme mood shifts. They are very often misdiagnosed for one another, as mood swings, impulsive behavior, and suicidal thoughts can be characteristic of both BPD and Bipolar Disorder, causing even mental health professionals to sometimes be unable to note the key differences without extensive attention. In one study, the researchers found that the patients overdiagnosed with bipolar disorder were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder compared to patients who were not diagnosed with bipolar disorder.8
However, there are key differences between those diagnosed with BPD and Bipolar Disorder. For example, when a person who is diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder is not experiencing a depressive or manic episode, the individual is more likely to be able to maintain emotionally stable relationships. Additionally, because Bipolar Disorder is more biologically-based and more easily managed with medications like mood stabilizers, antidepressants or antipsychotic medications, a person with Bipolar Disorder will remain more emotionally stable between episodes, with more random and less frequent triggers.
Meanwhile, in a person with BPD, environmental factors can be more triggering, and these triggers come “from a combination of an emotionally charged temperament and the lack of a solid sense of self.”9 BPD is more psychologically centered, and a person triggered into an episode with BPD will engage in impulsive behavior, unstable self-image, emotionally high-risk interpersonal relationships, and mood instability. These mood episodes may look like overlapping symptoms at first glance, but the disorders are very much different, with a possibility of comorbidity.
AMFM Mental Health Treatment provides comprehensive psychiatric care, along with traditional therapeutic modalities for ultradian cycling and ultra-rapid cycling bipolar disorder. Our on-staff clinicians are equipped to design personalized treatment plans for your continued success. In combination with psychotherapy, psychiatry is handled safely, to help you or your loved one overcome mental health challenges.
A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Bipolar Disorder support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.
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Bipolar I Disorder is considered the most severe form of Bipolar Disorder, and is diagnosed when an individual enters a manic state, characterized by an intense mood episodes “up”, consisting of high-energy, uncomfortable irritability, racing thoughts and impulsivity. While Bipolar II Disorder is also characterized by manic episodes, they may be shorter or less severe, referred to as hypomania. A person struggling with Bipolar II will experience depressive episodes, while an individual struggling with Bipolar I may or may not experience depression.
In order to be diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder, according to the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5) an individual must experience at least one manic episode. Episodes of mania are generally characterized by mood changes, increased energy levels, rapid talking, increased grandiosity, (an overinflated sense of self), angst, distractibility (which may be misattributed or related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), engaging in impulsive or risky behavior, occasionally psychosis, and more.
Hypomania refers to a shorter duration of manic symptoms, with generally milder symptoms. In order to be diagnosed with Bipolar II, an individual must experience at least one episode of hypomania, in addition to an episode of depression.
In order to be diagnosed with Bipolar II, an individual must experience both a hypomanic and a depressive episode. Depressive episodes are characterized by low moods, low energy, suicidal thoughts, or other common symptoms of depression like loss of interest, low self-esteem, fatigue, or changes in appetite.
Therapeutic Treatment for rapid cycling bipolar disorder is always recommended, whether in combination with psychiatric care, or separately from psychiatry. While small lifestyle changes like daily physical activity, regular exercise, and stepping outside into the sunlight when possible are helpful tactics, psychotherapy is highly regarded as the most effective method of mental health care for those struggling with mental disorders.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is most commonly referred to as “talk therapy,” and is designed to help process emotions and strive for emotional regulation, as well as mood regulation. Qualified professionals offer psychological therapy to move forward with healthy ways of engaging in interpersonal relationships and alleviating physical and emotional distress.
ECT is a form of “Shock Therapy,” designed for brain stimulation, and only utilized in cases of severe depression. While ECT has historically gotten a bad reputation, when properly administered it can be a useful tool for those who cannot accept psychiatric assistance.
TMS is a type of therapy that uses magnetic pulses to treat depression by stimulating certain areas of the brain. This is a noninvasive method of treatment that some mental health programs offer.
The admission process for A Mission For Michael mental health treatment centers can have slight variations. However, there are several shared characteristics and components in our admission process. This allows us to efficiently and effectively evaluate your needs, and determine the best course of action. Here is a general overview of what you can expect:
The first step is to reach out for help. Our admission counselors will ask for a brief overview of your symptoms as well as your contact information.
The next step is to complete an intake form, which provides us with important information for the admission process.
Next, we will schedule you for your evaluation. This can include the use of a disinhibited social engagement disorder assessment, which helps us better understand your symptoms and overall level of distress.
Our clinical team will take the information they learned and developed your personalized disinhibited social engagement disorder treatment plan. This will be used to guide your treatment in our treatment program.
Next we will verify your coverage so that you can make an informed decision about treatment while understanding your financial responsibilities.
We will then ensure that the necessary steps have been completed so that you can seamlessly begin engaging in treatment.
Depending on your treatment needs, we may provide your family with an orientation and overview of what to expect while you’re engaging in DSED treatment.
After your admission, we will provide you with a structured treatment schedule. You can then begin attending treatment as scheduled, and working towards the goals on your DSED treatment plan.
Complete the form to receive a prompt call back from a member of our experienced and compassionate admissions staff. All communication is 100% confidential.
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Zimmerman M, Ruggero CJ, Chelminski I, Young D. Is bipolar disorder overdiagnosed? J Clin Psychiatry. 2008 Jun;69(6):935-40. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v69n0608. PMID: 18466044.
Healy, D. (2006). The latest mania: Selling bipolar disorder. PLoS Medicine, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0030185
Singh T, Rajput M. Misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2006 Oct;3(10):57-63. PMID: 20877548; PMCID: PMC2945875.
Healy, D. (2006). The latest mania: Selling bipolar disorder. PLoS Medicine, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0030185
Zimmermann P, Brückl T, Nocon A, et al. Heterogeneity of DSM-IV Major Depressive Disorder as a Consequence of Subthreshold Bipolarity. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2009;66(12):1341–1352. doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2009.158
Zimmerman M, Ruggero CJ, Chelminski I, Young D. Psychiatric diagnoses in patients previously overdiagnosed with bipolar disorder. J Clin Psychiatry. 2010 Jan;71(1):26-31. doi: 10.4088/JCP.08m04633. Epub 2009 Jul 28. PMID: 19646366.
“DSM-5 Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder.” MDCalc, https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/10195/dsm-5-criteria-major-depressive-disorder#when-to-use. Accessed 12 April 2025.
Flayton, L. (2024, November 19). Understanding the difference between bipolar and borderline personality disorder. NewYork-Presbyterian. https://healthmatters.nyp.org/understanding-difference-bipolar-borderline-personality-disorder/
Burdick KE, Millett CE, Russo M, Et. al, The association between lithium use and neurocognitive performance in patients with bipolar disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2020 Sep;45(10):1743-1749. doi: 10.1038/s41386-020-0683-2. Epub 2020 Apr 29. PMID: 32349118; PMCID: PMC7419515.
Kusumakar V. Antidepressants and antipsychotics in the long-term treatment of bipolar disorder. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002;63 Suppl 10:23-8. PMID: 12392350.
“APA Dictionary of Psychology.” APA Dictionary of Psychology, https://dictionary.apa.org/cognitive-behavior-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025.
“What is EMDR?” EMDR Institute, https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/. Accessed 20 February 2025.
