Routine bipolar screening should be ingrained in NHS, say experts

Bipolar Commission says more specialist training needed to reduce average 9.5-year wait to get diagnosis

Routine screening for bipolar disorder should be ingrained into the NHS, alongside specialist training to help identify the condition and reduce the average 9.5-year wait to get a diagnosis, experts say.

A report by the Bipolar Commission, which brings together academics and other experts in the field, also recommended appointing a national director of mood disorders to ensure everyone has access to a 12-week psychoeducation course, and a specialist doctor to oversee their prescriptions and on-going care.