It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Bipolar Disorder.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings from highs called mania to lows called depression. Depression can lead to hopelessness and loss of pleasure from daily activities and mania can lead to euphoria, energy and unusual irritability. This affects their daily life, sleep and ability to think clearly. Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition whose symptoms can be managed by following a medication and treatment plan from a psychologist. As it is a mental health disorder it can be easily misdiagnosed for conditions like substance use disorder, borderline personality disorder, conduct disorder, impulse control disorders, developmental disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and certain anxiety disorders. Without correct treatment due to misdiagnosis, bipolar disorder can lead to problems with drug and alcohol use, legal and financial problems, poor work and school performance, legal and financial problems and suicide attempts.