A man in his mid twenties has his suicide planned out. He’s written notes to family members, chosen a method, and designated a location. He’s always struggled with his mental health, but now he’s at an extremely low point in his life. Fortunately, instead of going through with it, he asks for help.
His new therapist diagnoses him with major depression. He is put on prescription antidepressants. Nothing works - he sinks lower. His behavior is erratic. He fails to show up for work, then he works nonstop for 24 hours. He spends all the money in his bank account. His psychiatrist tries another antidepressant. He sinks lower still.
Finally, he attempts suicide. He ends up in the hospital, alive but more confused than ever. Why isn’t he getting better?
Most people realize that the hardest roadblock to overcome when living with mental illness is the first - asking for help. But what happens when someone pushes past their fear, seeks out resources, takes the incredibly brave step of talking to a doctor or therapist about their mental health… and they’re misdiagnosed?
When a doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist diagnoses someone with a mental illness, most people take their word for it. Upon receiving a diagnosis, many patients take one or more of the following actions at the direction of their provider:
But what if their diagnosis is wrong?
As many as 70% of mental health patients are misdiagnosed in the US.
This means that they make lifestyle changes that aren’t right for them while paying for therapy that won’t help them. They also take unneeded medication, supplements, and vitamins that might cause them harm, depending on what their real issue is. Meanwhile, their actual condition remains untreated as they suffer confusion and guilt for not getting better. As their condition worsens in spite of their best efforts, many misdiagnosed people feel hopeless and defeated. They worry that something is “wrong” with them, since they “should” be getting better but aren’t.
In the case of the young man at the beginning of this article, he actually has Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder is characterized by moods at extreme opposites of the spectrum - the lows can look like depression, and the highs can look like someone “getting better” from depression.
Bipolar Disorder is also one of the most frequently misdiagnosed mental illnesses. In Misdiagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, published in Psychiatry (Edgmont), authors Dr. Tanvir Singh and Dr. Muhammad Rajput report that “69% of patients with bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed initially, and more than one-third remained misdiagnosed for 10 years or more.” About 40% of people with Bipolar disorder - our young man included - are initially misdiagnosed with depression.
This is a dangerous situation to be in, as antidepressants can make Bipolar Disorder worse. Antidepressants are prescribed to lift a patient’s mood. When a person with Bipolar Disorder is already experiencing mania (an abnormally and excessively elevated mood) and takes antidepressants, it can worsen their condition and exacerbate their manic state. Antidepressants can also make people with Bipolar Disorder cycle continuously between depression and mania.
If you or someone you love is suffering from a mental condition, it’s important to be your own advocate or advocate for your loved one. By being aware of the possibility of misdiagnosis, you can take steps to lessen the chances of it happening to you or someone you care about:
At Medens Health, we believe that everyone should have access to the hope, clarity, and progress that comes with an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. We offer comprehensive psychological assessments to accurately diagnose any mental illness or learning disorder. Our trained professionals will thoroughly go over your history and current situation to determine which tests would be the most beneficial to you. After testing, you’ll come to a feedback session where you get a full report with results and recommendations for treatment. Once you have an accurate diagnosis, we can develop a plan that effectively treats your mental condition and empowers you to live a fulfilling life.
We’re committed to combating mental health misdiagnosis in the US by spreading awareness and promoting the use of psychological assessments for accurate diagnoses. If you know someone who is struggling with a mental health issue in spite of treatment, we hope you’ll remember this article and share it with them. Many people don’t consider misdiagnosis a possibility, instead blaming themselves for “failing” to get better. By educating others, you could save lives!
If you think you may need a psychological assessment in Las Vegas, NV or Beverly Hills, CA, get started here with Medens Health. Our caring staff can help you determine the cost based on your insurance coverage, or see if you qualify for sliding scale payment.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical or mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who is qualified to give you safe, professional, and ethical advice regarding your mental health.
If you or someone you are responsible for is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1 and/or take them to the nearest emergency room.
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