Wrong Bipolar Disorder Puts Rehab Clients at Risk

There is growing concern about incorrect bipolar disorder diagnoses in patients treated for substance abuse. People undergoing addiction treatment frequently do have an underlying mental health condition. However, it’s important to make sure that the correct co occurring disorder is identified. The periodical Current Psychiatry points out that a misdiagnosis can have severe implications. These include a delay in receiving treatment with effective medications like mood stabilizers or antidepressants.

Because the risk of incorrect bipolar disorder diagnoses is so high, and the mental health treatment ramifications so severe, it’s important that patients being evaluated for potential dual-diagnosis treatment therapy be properly evaluated. Dr. Elizabeth Waterman of Morningside Recovery recently stated an interesting addition to that thinking. Many studies show that about 40% of people with substance abuse and bipolar disorders truly have bipolar disorder. She believes there is a big trend of over-diagnosing this disorder, especially in the substance abuse population.

According to Current Opinion in Psychiatry “dual disorders often go under-detected, misdiagnosed and inadequately treated in both substance abuse and mental health settings.” They conclude that “routine, thorough, and integrated screening and diagnosis of dual disorders can facilitate implementation of appropriate treatment.” And that’s what we do at Morningside Recovery.

Bipolar Disorder Diagnoses at Morningside Recovery

When you have a loved one who may be struggling with co-occurring instances of mental health as well as substance abuse issues, it’s important that you find a mental health provider that uses the latest evidence-based therapy services to guide their clinical practice.  At Morningside Recovery, our clinical team includes psychologists, doctors, psychotherapists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, CAADAC’s and other mental health professionals. Our goal is to make sure we provide your loved one with the most thorough evaluation so that we can properly diagnose any behavioral disorders and chemical dependencies they may have and get them the exact mental health treatment they need and deserve.

If you are confused about bipolar disorder diagnoses you are not alone. Bipolar disorder and substance abuse often get lumped into one diagnosis. Let Morningside Recovery find the right answer for you or your loved one.  We have the therapies and clinicians in place to help.  All you have to do is make the call to 855-631-2135.