Rapper, fashion mogul, producer and icon Kanye West has never shied away from sharing his personal experiences in a bold fashion, and this time he has sparked conversations about mental health, revealing that he was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder and has now diagnosed with autism. In a recent interview on Justin Laboy's podcast The Download, West revealed that he was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder and now identifies as autistic. This revelation has rekindled debates about misdiagnosis of mental illness, the overlap between autism and bipolar disorder, and the need for proper assessments.

West says his wife, Bianca Censori, had encouraged him to seek a reassessment as she felt his personality did not align with the classic traits of bipolar disorder. After the reassessment, he discovered that he is autistic and this diagnosis has changed his interpretation of past behaviors and public controversies.

Reflecting on past incidents—a 2018 supporter of Donald Trump, for one—West said, "Autism takes you to a Rain Man thing," implying that his train of thought and demeanor, both erratic by turns, are the result of neurodivergence. He said this new insight has made him contextualize some behavioral patterns that have defined his public persona over the years. He also revealed that he had stopped taking medication after discovering that bipolar disorder was not the correct diagnosis. His revelation has not only reignited discussions about the complexity of mental health diagnoses but also about the frequent overlap between autism and bipolar disorder—two conditions that, while distinct, can share certain traits and symptoms.

His experience raises essential questions- how can bipolar disorder be mistaken for autism? What are the similarities and differences between these two conditions? And what can others learn from his story?

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by intense emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and deep depressive episodes. It affects about 2.8% of the U.S. population and typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood.

Symptoms of mania are:

• Acceleration of energy levels
• Impulsivity and risk taking
• Agitation or irritability
• Thoughts racing with pressured speech
• Thought delusions of grandeur or inflated self-esteem or feeling of importance

Depressive episode manifests as:

• Low energy level and fatigue
• Feeling worthless
• Suicidal thoughts
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbances.

There is no test for diagnosing bipolar disorder, but instead, mental health experts use clinical interview and history of symptom manifestations in making a diagnosis.

What Is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social communication, sensory processing, and behavior. Autism is not a mental illness but a condition that shapes how an individual perceives and interacts with the world. It is not like bipolar disorder.

Common characteristics of autism include:

• Difficulties with social interactions and communication
• Repetitive behaviors or intense focus on specific interests
• Sensory sensitivities (e.g., sensitivity to light, sound, or textures)
• A preference for routines and predictability
• Challenges with social signaling

Autism is typically diagnosed in childhood, but many people, especially those who are milder, are diagnosed as adults. Bipolar disorder presents mood shifts, whereas autism is a chronic neurological condition that does not inherently evoke mood episodes.

Where Bipolar Disorder and Autism Overlap

Although bipolar disorder and autism are different conditions, they share certain overlapping characteristics. There is empirical evidence that more individuals with autism are diagnosed to have bipolar disorders than the normative population. Similarly, in some cases of bipolar disorder, patients may be exhibiting characteristics seen in autism. Some of the overlapping symptoms are as follows:

• Impulsiveness
• Irritability or agitation
• Disturbed sleep pattern
• Rapid speech and focusing intensely on objects of interest
• Emotional dysregulation

But it doesn't make the two diseases similar. It's the basic difference in etiology: the bipolar disorder comes as a result of mood instability, whereas the reason for the autistic condition lies in differences in neurological development and information processing.

Why Misdiagnosis Occurs?

Mental health misdiagnosis is highly prevalent, particularly when symptoms cross over. With Kanye West's history of extremely publicized meltdowns and grandiose declarations, it is possible clinicians diagnosed him with bipolar disorder over autism. Not uncommon—autistic adults, in particular, are often first diagnosed with a personality disorder, anxiety, or depression before they receive an autism diagnosis.

Reasons for this include:

Masking: Many autistic people, especially those with high intelligence or strong communication skills, learn to mask their traits to fit societal expectations.

Lack of Awareness: Autism in adults is still underrecognized, especially in those who do not have classic childhood symptoms.

Symptom Overlap: Clinicians may focus on mood-related symptoms without considering developmental history.

How Treatment and Management Approaches Differ for Bipolar and Autism?

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Bipolar disorder is usually treated with:

• Mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium, valproate)
• Antipsychotic medications (for severe manic episodes)
• Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to help manage symptoms
• Lifestyle changes, including sleep hygiene, exercise, and stress management

Autism Support Strategies

Autism is not a disease, so it does not need medication. Treatment is more about support and skill-building:

• Speech and occupational therapy to enhance communication and daily living skills
• Behavioral interventions to help manage sensory sensitivities and repetitive behaviors
• Social skills training to get along with others and in the workplace
• Psychological counseling since autistic people are more prone to anxiety and depression

Why Accurate Diagnosis Is Important?

The case of Kanye West shows how an accurate mental health diagnosis is crucial. A wrong diagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment, unnecessary medication, and a long time in confusion about who one is and what is happening with their mind.

For those who suspect they may have been misdiagnosed, seeking a second opinion from a specialist in neurodevelopmental disorders can be beneficial. Proper diagnosis allows individuals to:

• Receive targeted support
• Develop coping strategies suited to their needs
• Improve their quality of life and self-understanding

West’s revelation about his autism diagnosis brings attention to the complexities of mental health and neurodiversity. While his journey is unique, it underscores broader issues surrounding mental health stigma, misdiagnosis, and the need for better awareness of autism in adults.

Whether you identify with aspects of autism, bipolar disorder, or another condition, the bottom line is self-awareness, professional guidance, and the right support systems. The better one understands the subtleties of these conditions, the more one will accept, the better the mental health care will be, and society will embrace neurodiversity rather than pathologizing it.

Federal health officials are taking a closer look at the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women and children, while also weighing updates to recommendations for older adults.

According to U.S. News, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing reports of possible birth defects following vaccination during pregnancy and is preparing data on deaths in children after receiving COVID shots.

The review will be presented during a September 18-19, 2025, meeting with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) vaccine advisory committee, CNN reported. Experts emphasise that the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), one of the primary tools being used in the review, is a monitoring system meant to detect potential safety signals. It does not establish that vaccines directly caused the reported health problems.

What Is VAERS?

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is designed to act as an early-warning tool, flagging potential safety signals that may warrant further study. “VAERS is a system that generates hypotheses,” explained Dr Demetre Daskalakis, who recently stepped down as director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, in an interview with CNN.

So far, large-scale studies have continued to show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe in pregnancy. The CDC has tracked outcomes in more than 23,000 pregnant women through one registry and more than 45,000 in another database, finding no increased risk of miscarriage, major birth defects, or other complications. Similarly, Pfizer reported that rates of birth defects in vaccinated participants during a clinical trial were comparable to those in the general population.

The CDC advisory committee is also expected to discuss whether vaccine guidance for older adults should be revised. While COVID vaccines are currently approved for adults 65 and older, as well as younger adults at high risk of severe illness, the panel may consider recommending them mainly for those 75 and older, or for younger individuals with underlying conditions.

ALSO READ: Is 'Stratus' COVID Variant The Pandemic’s Next Chapter In 2025 With New Symptoms?

New COVID Variant ‘Stratus’ Dominates U.S. Cases

COVID-19 activity remained high across the United States during the first week of September, according to fresh data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite the confusion around emerging strains, shifting vaccine guidelines, and cuts to vaccine development funding, the agency continues to track cases, hospitalisations, and deaths on a weekly basis.

For the four weeks ending August 30, projections show that a new variant called XFG. nicknamed “Stratus” accounted for 78 percent of infections nationwide. The next most common strains were NB.1.8.1 at 14 percent and LP.8.1 at 3 percent.

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What Is the ‘Stratus’ Variant?

XFG is a late-summer Omicron offshoot and a recombinant strain, formed by blending two earlier lineages: F.7 and LP.8.1.2. Scientists say the variant may carry mutations that help it slip past parts of the immune system more effectively, though there is no evidence yet that it spreads faster than previous strains.

The CDC advises people to watch for familiar COVID-19 symptoms, which continue to include:

1. Fever or chills
2. Cough
3. Fatigue
4. Sore throat
5. Loss of taste or smell
6. Congestion
7. Muscle aches
8. Shortness of breath
9. Headache
10. Nausea or vomiting

Every year on September 17, the world pauses to reflect on one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare, patient safety. Since its launch by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019, World Patient Safety Day has become a global campaign calling for stronger collaboration, awareness, and action to prevent avoidable harm in healthcare systems.

In 2025, the theme is “Safe care for every newborn and every child”, with the slogan “Patient safety from the start!”. The message is clear: children are not just fragile as they do not have the same levels of immunity as adults, they require special attention, protection, and tailored medical care from the very beginning of life.

Why Patient Safety Matters

Patient safety is not an isolated goal; it is the very foundation of healthcare. Without safe practices, no system can achieve universal health coverage or progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The WHO emphasizes that unsafe care remains one of the top ten causes of death and disability worldwide, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as newborns and children.

The objectives of World Patient Safety Day include:

• Increasing public awareness and commitment to safety.
• Promoting global solidarity for safer healthcare.
• Addressing specific issues that put patients at risk.
• Empowering families and communities to play an active role.

Focus on Children’s Health

Children are particularly vulnerable to risks in healthcare. Unlike adults, they cannot decide which clinic to visit or which treatment to accept. They must rely entirely on parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Their smaller bodies, developing immune systems, and emotional needs mean they often respond differently to illness and medical interventions.

The German Coalition for Patient Safety (APS) stresses that children should not be treated through an “adult lens.” Its slogan for 2025: “Patient safety from childhood onwards, an investment for life", captures the long-term importance of safe care for the youngest patients. APS is also encouraging parents, pediatricians, obstetricians, and nurses to share their experiences and identify both strengths and gaps in healthcare delivery.

A Global Call for Action

The urgency of this year’s theme is evident in global statistics. WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, recently highlighted that poor quality care, rather than lack of access, accounts for 60% of maternal deaths and 56% of neonatal deaths in low- and middle-income countries.

While access to hospitals has improved in many regions, unsafe practices, such as inadequate infection prevention, misdiagnosis, or insufficiently trained staff, continue to harm patients. Encouragingly, 21 African countries have already introduced National Quality Policies and Strategies that include patient safety measures like infection control, but more progress is needed.

Building on Past Efforts

World Patient Safety Day campaigns in previous years have focused on areas such as safe childbirth, medication safety, health worker safety, and diagnostic safety. This year’s emphasis on paediatric and newborn care builds on those efforts, recognizing that safety at the start of life shapes long-term health outcomes.

The Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030 provides a roadmap to strengthen safe practices through:

• Safer clinical processes.
• Improved training and workforce competencies.
• Stronger patient and family engagement.
• Advocacy and education beginning from childhood.

From Awareness to Action

World Patient Safety Day 2025 is not just about raising awareness, it is also about mobilizing concrete action. Governments, hospitals, professional associations, and civil society organizations are being urged to implement sustainable strategies to safeguard children’s health. Parents and caregivers, too, are encouraged to actively participate in their child’s medical journey by asking questions, understanding treatment plans, and advocating for safe care.

Around the world, awareness activities will include advocacy campaigns, technical discussions, and the illumination of landmarks in orange, the signature color of the campaign. These symbolic gestures serve as powerful reminders that safe healthcare is a universal right, not a privilege.

Patient Safety From the Start

This year’s slogan, “Patient safety from the start!”, underscores that ensuring safe care from birth is not optional, it is essential. Protecting children from avoidable harm is both a moral responsibility and an investment in healthier societies.

World Patient Safety Day 2025 is a reminder that safe care is achievable when everyone, from policymakers to frontline nurses, and from parents to international organizations, works together. After all, safeguarding the health of children today ensures a stronger, healthier world tomorrow.

Just 10 days after the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared an Ebola virus outbreak in Kasai province, health authorities have rolled out a vaccination drive targeting frontline workers and contacts of patients, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed in its latest update.

First Vaccines Arrive in Bulape

The first consignment of 400 doses of Ervebo (VSV-EBOV) was dispatched to Bulape health zone from a national stockpile of 2,000 doses stored in Kinshasa. Some frontline health workers in the capital had already received the vaccine. The WHO said additional shipments are expected in the coming days to sustain the response effort.

Health teams are deploying a “ring vaccination” strategy, which prioritizes those at the highest risk of infection, including patient contacts and health workers directly exposed to cases.

Also Read: What Is Babesia That Could Block Your Lyme Disease Recovery?

Global Support for Vaccine Supply

To ensure adequate coverage, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision has approved an additional 45,000 doses to be sent to the DRC. The WHO is assisting the Ministry of Health in formalizing a request for these doses and has also worked with partners to draw up a detailed immunization plan. Training sessions for vaccination teams are underway to streamline the rollout.

Alongside vaccines, treatment options are being reinforced. Courses of the monoclonal antibody therapy MAb114 (ansuvimab-zykl, commercially known as Ebanga) have already been dispatched to treatment centers in Bulape to support patient care.

Rising Case Numbers and Death Toll

Despite these interventions, the outbreak continues to grow. At a meeting of the provincial Ebola emergency committee on September 13, officials reported a sharp increase in infections and fatalities. According to the DRC’s National Public Health Laboratory (INRB), total cases have now risen to 81, with 28 deaths recorded, marking a case-fatality rate of 34.6%.

The latest figures represent a significant jump from a few days earlier, when authorities reported 68 suspected cases (including 20 confirmed) and 16 deaths.

Also Read: Congo Ebola Outbreak Caused By The Zaire Strain So Far Has 28 Deaths, Confirms WHO

Of seven new suspected cases detected in the Bulape health zone, five have been confirmed through laboratory testing. This highlights both the rapid spread of the virus and the crucial role of diagnostic capacity in containing the outbreak.

Expanding Contact Tracing

Efforts to trace and monitor contacts are also being scaled up. Health officials identified 58 new contacts in recent days, bringing the total to 716. Contact tracing is a cornerstone of the response, enabling teams to vaccinate and monitor individuals most likely to have been exposed.

In a further boost to local capacity, another 360 vaccine doses have arrived in Tshikapa, the provincial capital of Kasai. This shipment is expected to support wider vaccination efforts in neighboring areas.

With Ebola continuing to claim lives in Kasai, health authorities in the DRC and their global partners are racing to contain the outbreak. Vaccines, therapeutic drugs, and intensive contact tracing remain at the heart of the strategy. However, the rising case count underscores the urgent need to maintain momentum and secure sufficient supplies before the virus spreads further.