Dr.Jojy Cheriyan MD,MPH Dec 04,2014.

It is an 'open secret' that many patients who do not even meet the minimum criteria for psychotic disorder are misdiagnosed as psychosis.  2013 study shows that 69% of Bipolar patients are misdiagnosed, and millions of  children with behavioral disorders are also misdiagnosed as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

This new study published today by the NIH (National Institute of Health) adds more evidence to the harmful culture of misdiagnosis and over-diagnosis by mental health professionals. The researchers found that many patients with first-episode psychosis receive medications that do not even comply with recommended guidelines for first-episode treatment.

Current guidelines (published in 2009) emphasize low doses of antipsychotic drugs and strategies for minimizing the side effects that might contribute to patients stopping their medication. Most psychiatrists and mental health professionals do not follow this.

Psychosis is a mental disorder in which thoughts and emotions are impaired and contact with reality is diminished. People experiencing a first episode of psychosis have different treatment requirements than those with multi-episode psychosis. 

The results of the study shows that  almost 40 percent of people with first-episode psychosis in community mental health clinics across the U.S. might benefit from medication treatment changes.

Analysis of prescribing patterns for first-episode psychosis suggests that more effort is needed to promote awareness of first episode-specific medication practices at community facilities and more education is needed for prescribers.

This study also found that better medication treatment early in the illness, particularly strategies that minimize uncomfortable side effects, may lead to better results for patients.