Misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder patients: Detrimental effects of antidepressant monotherapy on the brain.

The diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BO) is crucial, for it is now recognized as a condition with high prevalence and serious cognitive deficits. However, it is often misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder (MOO) for its similar symptomatology. The indicated subsequent issue of misdiagnosis to MOO is the improper prescription of antidepressant monotreatment, a one-directional medication for a two-directional disorder. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the similar pathophysiological mechanism behind both disorders, specifically in the BONF pathway. Moreover, its subsequent detrimental effects on the adolescent brains of misdiagnosed pediatric BO patients will be discussed from a developmental perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of AIP Conference Proceedings is the property of American Institute of Physics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)