Objective: To examine different perspectives held by health care professionals and individuals with bipolar disorder (BD).
Methods: The survey was conducted between March–July 2008 by PatientView in collaboration with AstraZeneca. Survey data were analyzed from Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, UK, and the USA.
Results: 2688 people with BD, their carers and patient groups, and 643 health care professionals responded. According to 64% of respondents with BD and 56% of health care professionals, public awareness of the condition is lacking. Up to 40% of patients waited ≥4 years for a diagnosis of BD, and 16% waited ≥9 years. 47% of health care professionals believe misdiagnosis to be common. Delays in proper treatment were also reported: 25% of respondents had tried ≥9 medications before finding a suitable treatment. Perceived quality of life (QOL) showed divergence between patient and specialist viewpoints, 56% of patients reported “good” or “better-than good” QOL, far lower than the 82% estimate reported by health professionals. QOL was most influenced by satisfaction with care received (10% of patients, 24% of specialists), receiving correct medical treatment/support (23% and 14%), obtaining information to manage life successfully (12% and 13%), and not having to “fight the system” to get treatment/support (11% and 10%).
Conclusions: Individuals with BD face the challenges of public ignorance, high rates of misdiagnosis, delays in receiving proper medical care, and diminished QOL. Initiatives are needed to improve the management of BD in these key areas.

Supported by funding from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP.