background There is an average 10-year delay in diagnosing bipolar disorder, hampering the application of effective therapeutic interventions.
aim To investigate factors contributing to early recognition.
method We give a stage-oriented overview of the opportunities for early recognition.
results Recognition in stage 0 (at-risk) and stage 1 (prodromal) is yet impossible. In stage 2 (syndromal) there are opportunities for better recognition in patients presenting with depression by conducting a thorough (collateral) psychiatric assessment, family history and by applying additional screening tools. conclusions There are opportunities for better recognition of bipolar disorder in the syndromal stage.