Bipolar Disorder: Diagnostic Conundrums and Associated Comorbidities

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Many patients with bipolar disorder are initially misdiagnosed. Clinicians may incorrectly diagnose bipolar disorder as unipolar depression, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, or substance use disorder. The consequences of misdiagnosis can include intensified manic symptoms, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of suicide. To correctly diagnose patients with bipolar disorder, clinicians must be aware of associated comorbidities and methods of differentiating bipolar disorder from other illnesses.