Health-Related Quality of Life and Healthcare Resource Use: Comparison of Patients with Bipolar I Disorder and Potentially Misdiagnosed Depression

Abstract Background Bipolar I disorder (BP-I) is associated with a high humanistic and economic burden. Evidence suggests that BP-I often misdiagnosed as major depressive (MDD), but the unmet needs misdiagnosis are unknown. This study compares socioeconomic, healthcare-related quality of life (HRQoL), healthcare resource utilization (HRU) burdens participants diagnosed vs who screened probable for were only MDD. Methods Using responses to 2020 National Health Wellness Survey, respondents categorized into cohorts potentially (i.e., self-reported physician diagnosis MDD [mBP-I]) or BP-I, stratified by severity). Baseline characteristics evaluated using bivariate analyses. HRQoL (Short Form-36v2 Survey [SF36v2] mental physical component scores, EuroQol Five-Dimension Visual Analogue Scale [EQ-5D VAS]), HRU, multivariable analyses adjusting key baseline differences. Results There 302 in mBP-I cohort 818 (mild=336, moderate=285, severe=197). Adults similar age level depression anxiety those moderate severe BP-I. With respect HRQoL, had significantly worse SF36v2 scores EQ-5D VAS mild (31.3 40.3 [ P <.001] 60.6 69.4 =.01], respectively) statistically cohort. Respondents reported rates provider (5.5 6.1 =.63]) ER visits (.34 .40 =.59]) patients (but fewer hospitalizations: .08 .19 =.03]). Conclusions exhibited As expected without formal diagnosis, HRU was lower than comparable These results suggest may experience considerable akin Funding AbbVie