Patients with bipolar disorder are frequently misdiagnosed as having unipolar depression because mania or hypomania symptoms may not be recognized. They may have occurred in the past, the symptoms may have been mild (as in hypomania), or the symptoms of depression may be so striking that bipolar is just not considered. It is critical that patients with depression, including those without obvious mania, be questioned about the possibility of prior manic or hypomanic episodes. A family history of bipolar disorder may also point to the correct diagnosis.