Original Research Prim Care Companion CNS Disord April 2023

Screening for Bipolar I Disorder and the Rapid Mood Screener: Results of a Nationwide Health Care Provider Survey

PCC CNS Disord 2023;25(2):10.4088/PCC.22m03322

Full Article Read the complete peer-reviewed article in Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. Clinical Summary Patients with bipolar I disorder often present during depression, and missed bipolarity can lead to delayed diagnosis and inappropriate antidepressant monotherapy. This survey addresses a practical gap in outpatient care: bipolar screening is used far less often than depression screening, and clinicians need tools they will actually use. FAQ How often do clinicians screen for bipolar disorder compared with depression?

Key Takeaways Bipolar screening lagged far behind depression screening in this outpatient sample: 82% of HCPs reported using a tool for MDD, but only 32% reported using a tool for bipolar disorder, despite 85% being aware of the MDQ. Clinical Guide How should clinicians use the Rapid Mood Screener to identify possible bipolar I disorder in patients presenting with depressive symptoms or a depression diagnosis? Clinical Guide How can clinicians rescreen patients already diagnosed with depression when bipolar I disorder is still a concern?