The diagnosis of Bipolar Affective Disorder is often difficult, resulting in frequent misdiagnosis and an extensive delay between the first presentation of symptoms and the patient receiving the correct diagnosis (∼ 8–10 years on average). This delay is costly for patients, loved ones and society as a whole. Misdiagnosis is particularly frequent among Bipolar 2 patients. To tackle these issues, we have developed the Cambridge Mood Disorder Survey - a multi-section, patient-completed questionnaire which examines every aspect of Bipolar symptomolgy and all episode types. The information is integrated in an innovative Interpretation of Results section. The CMDS is designed to be easily administered in Primary (“family doctors”) and Secondary care (Psychiatrists working in outpatients), to patients with diagnoses of “unipolar” depressive conditions like Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent Depression, treatment resistant depression - i.e. conditions that Bipolar patients are commonly misdiagnosed with.

We are currently preparing for a preliminary trial of the CMDS in 3 UK counties in Primary and Secondary Care, utilizing a multi-disciplinary team. This will be followed by a UK-wide multi-center trial, with the potential for collaboration with other European countries.