Strategies for Decreasing False Negative and Positive Diagnoses of Bipolar Disorders

Given the importance of refraining from under- and overdiagnosing bipolar disorders, the author has searched for appropriate diagnostic strategies. In a selective review of literature, Medline and PsycLIT were used to cite articles in the field of bipolar spectrum disorders. Also, SID (the Scientific Information Database of Iran) was used for citing related published articles in Farsi. The findings related to the issue’s importance, the existing evidence, and the strategies for approaching an appropriate diagnosis are presented in two parts: under-diagnosis and overdiagnosis. The rates of both false negative and positive diagnoses for bipolar disorders are remarkable. Although various diagnostic strategies are available, using these strategies and current knowledge are not sufficient to assure us of an accurate diagnosis.