Improving Bipolar Diagnosis with the Rapid Mood Screener

Author

Leslie Richard, The University of Texas at El Paso

Date of Award

5-2024

Degree Type

DNP Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing (ND)

Department

Nursing

Chair

Hector Morales

Abstract

Background: Bipolar disorder is a chronic, debilitating mental illness that affects individuals globally. It is characterized by significant challenges in diagnosis, often leading to delays in receiving appropriate treatment. This condition can mirror the symptoms of unipolar depression, leading to frequent misdiagnoses and hindering timely intervention that could improve functional outcomes and quality of life.

Aims/Methods: This project aims to enhance the accuracy of bipolar disorder diagnoses in clinical settings, specifically bipolar disorder type 1 (BPT1), at the earliest possible stage of the illness. By doing so, it seeks to improve symptom management, reduce the duration of episodes, and enhance psychosocial functioning. This study employed the Rapid Mood Screener (RMS), a validated tool for the diagnosis of BPT1. The RMS demonstrates a positive predictive value of 0.80 and a negative predictive value of 0.88, with an overall accuracy rate of 80% when four or more of the responses are “yes.” This screening tool was implemented in an outpatient mental health clinic utilizing a telemedicine platform to assess new and established patients.

Results: The introduction of the RMS for screening new patients was particularly effective in diagnosing bipolar disorder. It reduced unspecified or incorrect diagnoses, enabling more precise pharmacological intervention and treatment approaches. Conclusions: This quality improvement project underscores the RMS’s effectiveness in enhancing the diagnostic accuracy for BPT1, particularly in its early stages, and distinguishing it from major depressive disorder.

Implications for Practice: The findings advocate for the RMS’s integration into routine psychiatric assessments, especially for new patients, and highlight the need for further investigation into its utility across broader age groups, including adolescents and elderly patients.

Recommended Citation

Richard, Leslie, "Improving Bipolar Diagnosis with the Rapid Mood Screener" (2024). Cohort XII. 8.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/cohort_12/8