The Nurse’s Role in the Assessment and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Abstract

The prevalence of bipolar disorder is underestimated, and the condition is often misdiagnosed as depression. Because bipolar disorder does not appear to respond to standard treatments for depression, misdiagnosed patients may suffer increased morbidity and mortality. Nurses have the ability to significantly impact the successful care of these patients by recognizing and assessing bipolar disorder, managing treatment with appropriate mood stabilizers and therapies, and educating patients and their families. Bipolar disorder diagnosis, the consequences of misdiagnosis and mismanagement, lifestyle factors that may increase the risk for episode recurrence, and useful interventions are discussed.