London, England – Failing to properly diagnose and treat individuals with bipolar disorder is costing the United Kingdom billions of pounds annually, according to recently released data. Many of the approximately one million people living with this condition are slipping through the cracks of the healthcare system, leading to devastating consequences caused by poorly managed extreme mood swings.
One individual, Emma, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her early thirties after a mental health crisis. Following the unexpected death of her grandmother during her pregnancy, Emma’s symptoms were dismissed by the perinatal team. After giving birth, she experienced highs and lows that eventually led to a suicide attempt. It took multiple hospital visits before she was correctly diagnosed and treated for bipolar disorder.
Experts have highlighted how the majority of individuals living with bipolar disorder in the UK are either undertreated or undiagnosed, leading to unnecessary suffering and a significant burden on the healthcare system. The cost of the condition in the UK is estimated to be around £9.6 billion annually, with a large portion of this stemming from NHS services and lost productivity in the workforce.
Despite being a manageable condition, many individuals are not receiving the necessary care, resulting in high rates of unemployment and reliance on benefits. Specialists emphasize the importance of early intervention and tailored treatment plans to reduce hospital admissions and improve outcomes for those with bipolar disorder.
Specialized care programs, such as the one offered at the Maudsley Hospital in South London, have shown promising results in reducing crisis situations and preventing relapses among bipolar patients. However, access to these programs remains limited, with many individuals facing challenges in receiving timely referrals to specialist services.
While the NHS is working to improve mental health services and reduce waiting times for diagnosis and treatment, there is still a need for increased awareness, funding, and resources to address the growing burden of bipolar disorder in the UK. Experts call for a shift towards a more holistic and individualized approach to care to better support those living with bipolar disorder and reduce the associated costs to both individuals and society as a whole.