Bipolar disorder is horrendously over-diagnosed in the United States. The formation of sub-categories Bipolar I and Bipolar II in the DSM has led to an explosion in the number of patients being categorised as Bipolar. I have no issues with Bipolar I which should just be termed Bipolar Disorder or Manic Depressive Psychosis as it used to be. The criteria for Bipolar II are extremely vague and could be applied to almost anyone dealing with the normal ups and downs of life. Most importantly we should note this is an AMERICAN, not international phenomenon. The proportion of people being diagnosed as Bipolar, particularly the young, has not increased in countries such as Germany or Great Britain. In these countries only the most severely affected individuals are given such a label. The US psychiatric community is in a complete mess and needs to be much more heavily regulated. It seems that American's like to be labelled as Bipolar because it implies a biochemical cause and hence can absolve them of any responsibility in furthering their recovery. This is completely unacceptable and harmful to patients.
Comment Reply
Bipolar disorder is horrendously over-diagnosed in the United States. The formation of sub-categories Bipolar I and Bipolar II in the DSM has led to an explosion in the number of patients being categorised as Bipolar. I have no issues with Bipolar I which should just be termed Bipolar Disorder or Manic Depressive Psychosis as it used to be. The criteria for Bipolar II are extremely vague and could be applied to almost anyone dealing with the normal ups and downs of life. Most importantly we should note this is an AMERICAN, not international phenomenon. The proportion of people being diagnosed as Bipolar, particularly the young, has not increased in countries such as Germany or Great Britain. In these countries only the most severely affected individuals are given such a label. The US psychiatric community is in a complete mess and needs to be much more heavily regulated. It seems that American's like to be labelled as Bipolar because it implies a biochemical cause and hence can absolve them of any responsibility in furthering their recovery. This is completely unacceptable and harmful to patients.
September 28, 2010 - 11:30amThis Comment
Reply