Bipolar UK has estimated that out of the one million people in the UK living with bipolar disorder, 56% are yet to receive a diagnosis. This lack of diagnosis and subsequent support could be putting their jobs, families and even their own lives at significant risk.
It takes an average of nine-and-a-half years for someone to receive a bipolar diagnosis from the moment they start seeking help. The condition is frequently misdiagnosed, leading to incorrect treatment which could potentially exacerbate the condition. The charity has highlighted four key symptoms of hypomania as part of its new campaign ‘Maybe It’s Bipolar’, urging those experiencing these issues or those who know someone who is, to take their online test.
The first key symptom is difficulty sleeping, with the charity asking: “Have you ever had periods of time where your brain has been too wired to sleep?”. This could lead to people not getting much sleep while in a hypomanic state.
Another symptom is impulsive shopping or ‘out of control’ spending. Periods of irritability or seemingly uncontrollable rage can also be an indicator.
Hypersexual behaviour, defined as an unusual or excessive concern with or participation in sexual activity, is another common but often misunderstood symptom experienced by the vast majority of people with bipolar.
CEO of Bipolar UK, Simon Kitchen, said: “The earlier someone gets a diagnosis and specialist treatment, the better their long-term outcome. Yet in the UK, after first telling a healthcare professional about their symptoms, it takes an average of nine-and-a-half years to get a diagnosis.
“During this lost decade, people living with undiagnosed bipolar are at risk of losing their jobs, relationships, homes and lives. By getting people who are struggling with their mental health to consider that ‘maybe it’s bipolar?’ we are supporting them to take the first step on the journey to diagnosis so they can get the treatment and support they need to live well.”
The charity has also launched its short film ‘Maybe It’s Bipolar‘, produced by ambassadors Rosie Viva and April Kelley, both of whom have personal experience of bipolar.
April said: “After over a decade of misdiagnoses of depression and anxiety, and incorrect medication that actually exacerbated my bipolar symptoms – making me hypomanic and leading to many questionable life choices – I finally received the right diagnosis.
“During that time, I unintentionally frightened loved ones, sometimes I can remember those moments, but other times the depression was so severe it resulted in memory loss. I genuinely believe my diagnosis saved my life.”
Rosie revealed: “At the age of 22, my depression and anxiety worsened during a very busy period at work. I started experiencing vertigo, paranoia, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. I couldn’t work anymore, so I went to the doctors. That year, I trialled six or seven antidepressants – everything seemed to make things worse, and I feared I would never get better or return to myself.
“Then my boyfriend broke up with me. This triggered a manic high that progressed into psychosis. While the years that followed were extremely challenging, looking back, my diagnosis ultimately saved my life.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
