Kanye West Claims Bipolar Misdiagnosis, Reveals Autism Diagnosis

Kanye West, known as Ye, has recently stated he was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder, asserting instead that he has been diagnosed with autism. This revelation, made public in February 2025, recontextualizes years of public discussion surrounding the artist's mental health. Social media users, such as Samuel Hammond, have expressed sentiments like, "Glad to see ye acknowledging his struggles with bipolar disorder openly," reflecting the public's prior understanding of his condition.

Ye disclosed his new diagnosis during an appearance on Justin Laboy's podcast, "The Download." He explained that his wife, Bianca Censori, prompted him to seek a re-evaluation, noting that his personality did not align with her understanding of bipolar disorder. "And I’ve come to find that it’s really a case of autism that I have," West stated, suggesting this new understanding helps him interpret past behaviors.

The musician had previously spoken extensively about his bipolar diagnosis, notably on his 2018 album Ye, which featured the phrase "I hate being Bi-Polar it’s awesome." He also discussed it with David Letterman, describing it as a "sprained brain." His then-wife, Kim Kardashian, had publicly sought compassion for him, highlighting the challenges of managing his mental health.

West further claimed that he has ceased taking medication for mental health, as autism is not treated with such pharmaceuticals. He emphasized that this shift allows him to maintain his creativity, stating, "I haven’t taken the medication since I found out that bipolar wasn’t the right diagnosis." The artist indicated he now monitors for episodes of poor mental health proactively.

This new diagnosis has sparked discussions regarding the distinction between mental illness and neurodevelopmental disorders. While some may see Ye's comments as an encouragement to seek professional advice, others question whether it serves as an explanation for past controversial behavior. The public continues to grapple with the evolving narrative surrounding the influential artist's health.