True or False: Bipolar I depression may be misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder (MDD).

Bipolar I depression can indeed be misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder (MDD) due to overlapping symptoms such as profound sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep, and fatigue. In a bipolar disorder diagnosis, the individual experiences both manic and depressive episodes. However, during a depressive episode, the individual may present with symptoms that are indistinguishable from those of MDD.

This misdiagnosis often occurs because the manic episodes may not be recognized or reported, particularly if the patient is currently experiencing a depressive episode or if the mania was mild and went unnoticed. Accurate diagnosis is crucial since the treatment approach differs significantly between bipolar disorder and unipolar depression, particularly regarding the use of antidepressants, which, if prescribed to a bipolar patient without mood stabilization, can potentially precipitate a manic episode.

Therefore, the statement about bipolar I depression being misdiagnosed as Major Depressive Disorder is true, as it highlights the importance of a thorough clinical assessment to differentiate bipolar disorder from other mood disorders.