Approximately 1 in 4 of us will experience a diagnosable mental health problem each year in the UK. To many people, receiving a diagnosis can often feel like a huge relief as it allows the individual to understand the way they’re feeling and receive suitable treatment and support. However, it is not always this straightforward, as the human mind is complex and intricate so, without an experienced psychiatrist with extensive knowledge, misdiagnoses can prevail.
Misdiagnoses can mean individuals are taking the wrong medication for no reason or be receiving the wrong treatment. This could be potentially damaging in the long-term, so it is important to seek a second opinion. Some people may even be left with the unpleasant task to sue a GP for negligenceif they believe they’ve been misdiagnosed.
Below we’re going to take a look at five of the most commonly misdiagnosed mental illnesses, as well as what this may mean for individuals who have been incorrectly diagnosed…
1. Bipolar Disorder
In the UK, 1.3 million people are believed to be affected by bipolar disorder. The health condition is often characterised by significant mood swings, including manic highs and depressive lows.
However, the illness is also one of the most frequently misdiagnosed mental health conditions. According to Dr Singh and Dr Rajput’s research, 69% of people with bipolar are initially diagnosed with something else. What’s more, approximately one third of those individuals remain misdiagnosed for at least 10 years.
The disorder is most frequently mistaken for depression. Medical professionals theorise that this may be because a depressive episode of bipolar is similar to an episode of major depression. If only these symptoms are picked up on by a psychiatrist and no other indicators, such as the mania, the disorder can be easily mistaken.
2. ADHD
Globally it is predicted that five percent of children and adults are affected by ADHD. Recent research into children with ADHD has found some interesting results. It is believed that boys may being over diagnosed with the health condition, as their distractibility and relative immaturity can mimic symptoms.
On the other hand, research conducted towards girls in school, have found the opposite. Young girls are being underdiagnosed with the condition as their symptoms often present differently to that of boys. Women and girls are found to mask their symptoms more and internalise their condition, meaning it is often not picked up on.
Similarly, ADHD in adults is thought to be underdiagnosed. This can be due to many adults just adjusting their outward behaviour so that their symptoms are less obvious. However, they may still experience symptoms such as, distractibility and racing thoughts. ADHD is also likely to have co-occurring disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
3. PTSD
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition caused by a traumatic experience. Symptoms of the condition include flashbacks, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and nightmares.
PTSD is often misdiagnosed because certain symptoms in patients may be more prominent, leading to an incorrect diagnosis. For instance, a disturbed sleep pattern and a patient’s negative perception of themself and the world may look a lot like depression.
Additionally, PTSD is often underdiagnosed due to the illness often being stereotyped and stigmatised. Common perceived stereotypes include veterans who are ‘dangerous’ or ‘crazy’. Instead, PTSD can affect anyone who’s experienced trauma, and therefore some people may fly under the radar.
4. Depression
Depression is one the most common mental health issues worldwide, however, with this comes a lot of misdiagnoses. Men are believed to be underdiagnosed with the health condition for a number of reasons. This includes, the stigma surrounding men opening up and being vulnerable, making it harder for them to seek help when they need it.
What’s more, men may be less likely to recognise their symptoms of depression. This could be because their depression symptoms are different to that of women’s, and they are also more likely to experience physical symptoms such as headaches or chest pain. This can result in men initially seeking help for a medical or substance issue as opposed to a mental health issue.
5. Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) also appears to be a gendered issue, as men are underdiagnosed with the condition. There is still a popular misconception that BPD predominately affects women. However, this is not the case, as it appears to affect men and women equally. As a result, some healthcare professionals may be less likely to diagnose a man with BPD.
BPD, like bipolar disorder, is also frequently misdiagnosed since both disorders experience shifting moods and periods of depression. So, it can be easily mistaken for another condition. One study found that 40% of people with BPD were misdiagnosed with bipolar type 2.
Looking for Help with a Misdiagnosis?
If you believe you’ve been misdiagnosed with a mental health condition, it is important to seek help and advocate for yourself. Being misdiagnosed with a mental illness can have serious and long-term effects for people, especially if they’ve been taking the wrong medication or receiving the wrong treatment.
There are a number of steps you can take if this occurs, including gathering a second opinion or seeking legal advice as a last resort. We also recommend speaking to close friends and family about the matter, as they can be there for you during this stressful time. For more information, we suggest speaking to your local GP or mental health charity.
Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained medical professional. Be sure to consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you’re seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.