How to spot the signs of bipolar disorder and diagnose it early
Intended for healthcare professionals
Analysis Previous     Next

How to spot the signs of bipolar disorder and diagnose it early

Kathy Oxtoby Health journalist

Delays to diagnosis can lead people with bipolar to reach crisis point, but mental health nurses in general practice can help spot warning signs

People with bipolar wait for an average of 9.5 years to get a diagnosis, according to the charity Bipolar UK. Waiting for a diagnosis can be distressing and the risk of suicide is high during this time, affecting more than 39% for those who wait between five and ten years for a diagnosis from the time they report their initial symptoms.

Mental Health Practice. 27, 2, 6-7. doi: 10.7748/mhp.27.2.6.s2

Want to read more?

RCNi-Plus
Already have access? Log in

or

3-month trial offer for £5.25/month

Subscribe today and save 50% on your first three months
RCNi Plus users have full access to the following benefits:
  • Unlimited access to all 10 RCNi Journals
  • RCNi Learning featuring over 175 modules to easily earn CPD time
  • NMC-compliant RCNi Revalidation Portfolio to stay on track with your progress
  • Personalised newsletters tailored to your interests
  • A customisable dashboard with over 200 topics
Subscribe

Are you a student? Our student subscription has content especially for you.
Find out more