Sponsored Lunch Talk | 16 July 2025

Lunch Talk Sponsored By:

Title: Unmasking the Hidden Burden in Bipolar I Depression

Speaker: Dr Nisha Chandwani, Senior Consultant, Institute of Mental Health

Abstract

Bipolar I depression is often under-recognized and misdiagnosed due to its overlapping features with unipolar depression and its multifaceted symptomatology. This presentation aims to enhance clinical understanding of the hidden symptom burden in Bipolar I disorder, particularly focusing on features associated with poorer outcomes, increased suicidality, and functional impairment. Diagnostic challenges, including delayed recognition and inadequate response to traditional treatments, further compound the disease burden. Recent advances have highlighted the role of the dopamine D3-receptor system in mediating core symptoms such as reward dysfunction, anhedonia, anxiety, cognitive deficits, among others. Emerging therapies that preferentially target D3 receptors—such as cariprazine—demonstrate promise in addressing these unmet needs, offering symptom relief and functional recovery. By unmasking the nuanced and debilitating features of Bipolar I depression and aligning treatment strategies with underlying neurobiology, clinicians may be better equipped to deliver individualized, outcome-focused care.