More Than a Mood: Unpacking the Misdiagnosis of Mania

Available with English captions and subtitles in Spanish.

Unpack the complexities of mania and its frequent misdiagnosis—including how symptoms are often mistaken for trauma responses, ADHD, or other behavioral patterns, and what clinicians can do to refine diagnosis and reduce harm.

Why This Training Matters

Mania is a misunderstood experience that carries high clinical stakes. When it’s missed or misinterpreted, individuals may receive treatment that exacerbates instability or delays recovery.

This conversation helps participants recognize the subtle distinctions between mania and other mood or behavioral patterns, illuminating the diagnostic process with empathy and clarity. Understanding these nuances promotes better outcomes, trust, and hope for those navigating complex mental health challenges.

What You’ll Learn

  • Hallmark features of mania versus ADHD, trauma, borderline personality disorder, and substance use
  • How early intervention and careful reassessment can prevent misdiagnosis
  • Systemic and cultural factors that obscure accurate recognition of mania
  • The importance of collaborative care and clear communication in guiding patients through diagnostic uncertainty

Takeaways

Participants leave this session with a renewed understanding of the importance of accurate diagnosis and compassionate care.

  • Accurate diagnosis can change the trajectory of a person’s life.
  • Empathy and patience are as critical as clinical precision.
  • Many disorders share overlapping symptoms—understanding context is key.
  • Listening carefully to lived experience can reveal the nuances behind mania’s presentation.
  • Reducing stigma around bipolar disorder encourages timely, effective intervention.

Learning Objectives

After viewing this session, participants will be able to:

  • Differentiate mania from other disorders that share similar symptoms
  • Recognize the systemic factors contributing to misdiagnosis
  • Integrate empathy and communication strategies to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes

Who Should Watch

  • Mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, counselors, and therapists)
  • Pediatricians and primary-care providers
  • K-12 and university educators and school staff
  • Public health professionals
  • Parents and caregivers
  • Community and faith leaders
  • Executives, managers, and HR professionals

Event Details

  • Date Recorded: March 13, 2026
  • Length: 60 minutes
  • Presenter: Kelly Scanlon, LICSW

Watch this free on-demand session and learn how careful listening, context, and collaboration can lead to more accurate diagnoses and better care for those experiencing mania.

Topics Covered During This Training

  • What is mania, and how does it relate to bipolar disorder?
  • What are the key signs a clinician should look for when trying to determine if someone is experiencing mania?
  • What is the difference between hypomania and full manic episodes?
  • Are there early, subtle signs that often get missed—such as changes in behavior or thinking—before the more obvious symptoms of mania appear?
  • How do patients tend to describe the internal experience of mania?
  • Is it common for someone experiencing mania to forget what they say or do during a manic episode?
  • What conditions have symptoms that can overlap or be confused with mania, such as ADHD, for example?
  • How can you distinguish trauma-related disorders from mania?
  • Can borderline personality disorder overlap with mania?
  • What other conditions can be confused with or overlap with mania?
  • How closely does a clinician work with an addiction treatment provider to figure out what is substance-related versus what is actually mania?
  • How can you differentiate between manic symptoms and neurodivergent traits?
  • Can narcissistic personality disorder and mania overlap?
  • How does gender factor into the diagnosis of mania?
  • Do help-seeking patterns tend to differ between genders?
  • Could unconscious bias among clinicians affect how mania is diagnosed—and if so, how?
  • What are the consequences of misdiagnosed mania, and how does it affect treatment?
  • How can clinicians improve diagnostic accuracy, particularly through detailed psychiatric histories?
  • How can family members be involved in the diagnostic process, and what does that typically look like?
  • How can paying close attention to specific symptom patterns—like changes in sleep—help avoid a misdiagnosis?
  • What is the value of reassessment, and how do you work with a patient on reassessing their diagnosis?
  • Why is early intervention particularly important with mania?
  • How should clinicians approach talking with a patient about their diagnosis in a way that feels supportive rather than alarming?
  • Are there certain populations with higher rates of bipolar disorder and mania, and how should clinicians account for cultural differences?
  • How can you differentiate between mania and psychosis?
  • How can clinicians empower clients to channel their manic energy into positive coping strategies and activities?
  • How can you help a loved one recognize that they may have bipolar disorder?
  • What resources would you recommend for clinicians, loved ones, or individuals struggling with mania?
  • How treatable is bipolar disorder, and what hope or encouragement can you offer to people who may feel overwhelmed?

The information discussed is intended to be educational and should not be used as a substitute for guidance provided by your health care provider. Please consult with your treatment team before making any changes to your care plan.

Resources

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