Presenter Information

Jamie StrozierFollow

Presenter Classification

Graduate Student

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Publication Date

4-24-2025

Start Date

24-4-2025 2:00 PM

End Date

24-4-2025 2:30 PM

Keywords

Bipolar I, screening, primary care

Abstract Type

Quality Improvement/Process Improvement Project

Abstract

Abstract- Utilizing the MDQ for Bipolar I Screening in the Primary Care Environment

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by episodes of depression, mania, or mixed symptoms, affecting approximately 5.7 million adults in the U.S. and 40 million individuals worldwide. Despite its significant impact, bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder (MDD) in primary care settings, leading to inappropriate treatment and worsening patient outcomes. Research indicates that 78% of bipolar patients are initially misdiagnosed, with only 32% of primary care providers (PCPs) screening for the disorder. This quality improvement project aims to enhance bipolar disorder screening in the primary care setting by implementing routine screening using the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) alongside the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9).

The project involves educating clinic staff on screening protocols and referral processes. Patients presenting with depressive symptoms will be screened using the PHQ-9, and those scoring 5 or greater will undergo additional screening with the MDQ. Positive MDQ results will prompt a mental health referral, if the patient is agreeable. Data will be collected over six weeks using a three-question screener. Expected outcomes include increased identification of undiagnosed bipolar disorder, improved referral rates, and better patient management. Potential barriers include time constraints and limited mental health resources, while key facilitators involve provider support and easy workflow integration with the current EMR system. This project highlights the importance of enhancing screening protocols in primary care to improve early detection and management of bipolar disorder, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

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Apr 24th, 2:00 PM Apr 24th, 2:30 PM

Utilizing the MDQ for Bipolar I Screening in the Primary Care Environment

Abstract- Utilizing the MDQ for Bipolar I Screening in the Primary Care Environment

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by episodes of depression, mania, or mixed symptoms, affecting approximately 5.7 million adults in the U.S. and 40 million individuals worldwide. Despite its significant impact, bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder (MDD) in primary care settings, leading to inappropriate treatment and worsening patient outcomes. Research indicates that 78% of bipolar patients are initially misdiagnosed, with only 32% of primary care providers (PCPs) screening for the disorder. This quality improvement project aims to enhance bipolar disorder screening in the primary care setting by implementing routine screening using the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) alongside the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9).

The project involves educating clinic staff on screening protocols and referral processes. Patients presenting with depressive symptoms will be screened using the PHQ-9, and those scoring 5 or greater will undergo additional screening with the MDQ. Positive MDQ results will prompt a mental health referral, if the patient is agreeable. Data will be collected over six weeks using a three-question screener. Expected outcomes include increased identification of undiagnosed bipolar disorder, improved referral rates, and better patient management. Potential barriers include time constraints and limited mental health resources, while key facilitators involve provider support and easy workflow integration with the current EMR system. This project highlights the importance of enhancing screening protocols in primary care to improve early detection and management of bipolar disorder, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.