Springfield, Virginia – At the young age of 11, Kassondra Ola found herself taking a laundry list of psychiatric medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, stimulants, and drugs for seizures. Her tumultuous journey with mental health began in her preteen years as she struggled with anxiety, withdrawal, and distraction. Ola’s parents sought help for her, and she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 10. However, the medications prescribed to her caused more harm than good, inducing sleepiness, tremors, and mental fog.
By the time Ola reached her twenties, she was living with her grandmother and attending community college. A chance encounter at church led to a new diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism spectrum disorder. This revelation shed new light on her difficulties with socialization and sensory sensitivities as a preteen.
The surge in bipolar disorder diagnoses over the years has been a topic of debate among psychiatrists. Some believe that the label has been applied too liberally, resulting in misdiagnoses and unnecessary treatments. The broadening criteria for bipolar disorder, including the concept of a “bipolar spectrum,” have led to an increase in diagnoses, with some patients receiving medication without exploring other potential conditions like borderline personality disorder or ADHD.
The shift in diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder, including the incorporation of bipolar II and subclinical bipolar, has raised concerns about overdiagnosis. Some individuals, like Ola and Lynette Nelson, have experienced misdiagnoses that have led to years of ineffective treatment. The reliance on pharmaceutical interventions for bipolar disorder may overshadow alternative therapies that could be more suitable for conditions like borderline personality disorder.
As the medical community grapples with the complexities of psychiatric diagnoses, the potential for mislabeling individuals and overlooking underlying conditions remains a critical concern. The impact of misdiagnosis extends beyond medical treatment, affecting individuals’ personal and social well-being. The call for more precise diagnostic practices and a nuanced understanding of mental health conditions is essential to ensure appropriate care for those in need.