title: The developmental stages of Bipolar Disorder: a case report.
abstract: Bipolar disorder is a developing disorder; its early stages are sometimes misdiagnosed as anxiety or depressive disorders. At the same time, these disorders are often in comorbidity with bipolar disorder. This complex symptomatology can lead to misinterpretation and underdiagnosis of bipolar disorders, mainly at the earliest stages. Consequently, one of the most important challenges for clinicians is to recognize the non specific early symptoms with the aid of clinical information, for example a family history of bipolar disorder. Furthermore, it is well-known that comorbid anxiety disorders can lead to a worse prognosis in bipolar patients but it is not exactly clear to what extent. A deeper understanding of the relationship between these comorbidities and their stage of development will hopefully lead to better care of patients with bipolar disorder from a younger age.
authors.affiliation: St. John's College, University of Cambridge, School of Medicine, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: Fatima Imam
authors.initials: FI
authors.lastname: Chaudhry
authors.forename: Norma
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Verdolini
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Agius
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010553:Personality Development; D011379:Prognosis