Bipolar disorder sufferers receive inadequate care
29 August 2003
A report released this week reveals that people with bipolar disorder are often misdiagnosed and left untreated, causing unnecessary suffering and costing the community millions of dollars.
The report, Bipolar disorder: Costs: An analysis of the burden of bipolar disorder and related suicide in Australia, was commissioned by SANE Australia, a national charity that helps those affected by mental illness through campaigning, education and research.
Bipolar disorder refers to an ongoing mental health condition that involves periods of depression that alternate with periods of mania or elated mood. The switch between these phases may be rapid, but more often it is gradual. The mania is often to the extent that it causes the person serious social problems.
The findings of the report have prompted calls for improved funding for basic services and for greater awareness and education for healthcare professionals and the community about bipolar disorder.
‘Far too many Australians with bipolar disorder receive third-rate treatment,’ said Barbara Hocking, Executive Director, SANE Australia, ‘…with 10.2 years the average time to an accurate diagnosis, we really are selling them short.
‘It is critical people receive early and appropriate treatment before the disorder causes untold and unnecessary pain, which then ripples through the community causing disruption to work, study, family and friendships.
‘Up to 60 per cent of people with bipolar disorder have a substance abuse problem; the divorce rate is double. Tragically one in 6 Australians with bipolar disorder suicides – 12 times higher than [the suicide rate in] the average population,’ Ms Hocking added.
Professor Phil Mitchell, Head of the School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, and the Mood Disorders Unit, Prince Henry Hospital and a consultant to the development of the report, said, ‘The dramatic findings in the report show that bipolar disorder really is the forgotten psychiatric disorder. While awareness and understanding of disorders such as depression and schizophrenia have grown, bipolar disorder — which is as common as schizophrenia — is under recognised.
‘The report identifies that one-third of Australians with the disorder do not receive any treatment and the majority of the remainder receive inadequate treatment. There is clearly an urgent need for improved diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder to reduce the delays and improve the situation for those with the illness,’ he explained.
Last Reviewed: 29 August 2003
