For Educational Purposes Only

Bipolar disorder education fosters appropriate diagnosis and treatment

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness and refers to a spectrum which encompasses several diagnoses, including bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.1,2 Bipolar I disorder, marked by extreme manic episodes, has a lifetime prevalence of 2.1 percent, and a 12-month prevalence of 1.5 percent.1,3 This equates to approximately 4.9 million and 3.7 million adult Americans, respectively.3

The estimated direct and indirect costs of bipolar I and II disorders in 2009 were $30.7 billion and $120.3 billion, respectively.4

Greater than 33 percent of patients with bipolar disorder remained misdiagnosed for 10 years or more, delaying treatment.5

Frameworks in Health and Quality: Understanding and Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder is a series of educational resources for healthcare stakeholders — including providers and payers who can choose to share resources with patients and their caregivers — that aims to:

  • Emphasize the importance of understanding and appropriate diagnosis of bipolar disorder
  • Promote awareness and reduce associated stigma
  • Enhance communication among all stakeholders
  • Support stakeholders with patient and caregiver educational materials
  • Encourage patient wellness and adherence to treatment plans

Evidence demonstrates the need for improved understanding and diagnosis of bipolar disorder.5 Our Frameworks in Health and Quality: Understanding and Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder disease management program can complement your efforts by providing resources to key stakeholders who are in a position to help improve the care delivered to consumers.

Payer Resources

Program materials include key issues for payers such as bipolar disorder spectrum, economic impact, challenges and misdiagnosis, treatment, stigma, and potential strategies to help support healthcare providers and patients.

Provider Resources

Program materials include key issues for providers such as bipolar disorder evidence-based diagnostic criteria, challenges and misdiagnosis, treatment, stigma, and potential strategies to collaborate with consumers.

Patient*/Caregiver Resources

Program materials for patients and caregivers focus on awareness and education, treatment, and stigma associated with bipolar disorder.

References
  1. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2013.
  2. Bipolar disorder. National Alliance on Mental Illness website. https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Bipolar-Disorder. Reviewed August 2017. Accessed March 27, 2019.
  3. Blanco C, Compton WM, Saha TD, et al. Epidemiology of DSM‑5 bipolar I disorder: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions–III. J Psychiatr Res. 2017;84:310-317.
  4. Dilsaver SC. An estimate of the minimum economic burden of bipolar I and II disorders in the United States: 2009. J Affect Disord. 2011;129(1‑3):79‑83.
  5. National Depressive and Manic‑Depressive Association. Living with Bipolar Disorder: How Far Have We Really Come? Chicago, IL: National Depressive and Manic‑Depressive Association; 2001.

Frameworks resources are intended for educational purposes only and are intended for healthcare professionals and/or payer representatives who may choose to share some of these resources with patients or their caregivers. Healthcare professionals should use independent medical judgment when considering Frameworks educational resources. Patients and caregivers should discuss Frameworks materials with a healthcare professional. They are not intended as, nor are they a replacement for, medical advice and treatment from a healthcare professional. Frameworks resources are not intended as reimbursement or legal advice. Users should seek independent, qualified professional advice to ensure their organization is in compliance with the complex legal and regulatory requirements governing healthcare services, and that treatment decisions are made consistent with the applicable standards of care. Frameworks is sponsored by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc.

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