How does a doctor determine if you have only depression or if you're bipolar?

Answer 1

It really depends on what doctor you see. I would hesitate to go to a family physician for the diagnosis of possible Bipolar. If you go to a psychiatrist, he/she will try to determine diagnosis by taking an extensive history and asking questions about your current symptoms. If he thinks you sound depressed or manic, he'll prescribe in kind. Some psychiatrists conduct little experiments. In the medical field, it is commonly known that SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) can trigger a manic episode. So, if he suspects someone is Bipolar, but also thinks it could be depression, he may prescribe Zoloft or Paxil or Prozac. If you come back in 2 weeks later and said that you've been really irritable, overactive, pleasure-seeking, etc, he may determine that you had a manic episode and thus have Bipolar. Its not a fail safe procedure and just because you don't have a manic episode on SSRIs, that doesn't mean that you aren't Bipolar.

If you go to a psychologist, like the psychiatrist, he or she will take an extensive history, but may get more in depth. Some will ask you about your family history and symptoms. The good ones will ask about different aspects of your life that are affected by Bipolar. How old were you when you had your first child? (People with Bipolar are more likely to have kids at a young age). How is your credit history? (People with Bipolar are more likely to have bad credit or to have declared bankruptcy). How's your driving record? (People with Bipolar are more likely to speed and have license suspensions). Do you drink or use drugs? (Again, people with Bipolar are more likely to abuse substances).
A psychologist may also run a series of diagnostic assessments....MMPI-2, Rorschach, SCL-R 90, or MCMI-III. Since these tests are pretty lengthy and in-depth, it should give him some accurate diagnostic considerations.

Unfortunately, this is the best system we have right now. There is no blood test for Bipolar.

Answer 2

Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings—from overly "high" and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.

Signs and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) include:
Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood
Extreme irritability
Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
Distractibility, can't concentrate well
Little sleep needed
Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
Poor judgment
Spending sprees
A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
Increased sexual drive
Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
Denial that anything is wrong
A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present.

Signs and symptoms of depression (or a depressive episode) include:
Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Restlessness or irritability
Sleeping too much, or can't sleep
Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
A depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer.

Answer 3

The literal "how" is the Diagnostic and Statistics Manuel, version IV. There's a list of symptoms, and if you lack enough of them, then you're not bipolar. If I recall correctly (and I may not) bipolar depressive episodes don't last nearly as long as MDD, much less disthymia.

Answer 4

Bipolar people have definite periods of "manic" activity, which differs drastically from the symptoms of depression. Bipolar people also share the same symptoms as depression, but with periods of wild manic behavior.

Answer 5

Through a series of visits. He/she will ask you questions and attempt to get to the root of the problem. He/she will try to match up the symptoms of whatever diesease the doctor has in mind tot he ones you are having.
The doctor can try certain medications and see if they work. If they do, the problem is known and solved. If they don't there are more ways.
The doctor had to go through college and medical school so they have been taught well on how to approach certain symptoms and how to get to the root of the problem where the answer lies.

Answer 6

A series of tests plus, by talking to you thru several sessions, in which they will ask you if you experience extreme highs and lows that repeat. theses episodes are called manic and depressive episodes. Some people cycle daily and some people cycle over a period of weeks or months, basically your doctor can tell by talking with you.

Answer 7

It's more of a trial and error deal.
That's why so many people with bipolar go undiagnosed, and sometimes it takes YEARS to find the right combo of meds.

Answer 8

Bipolar has manic episodes, highs & lows. depression is usually just lows.

Answer 9

bi polar is a lot of other things than just depression depression is sadness feelings and ect but bi polar is much more including the depression. bi polar people have mood swins they also dont think before doing soething weather it be good or bad you star several things and dont finish them, not good with money, not organized ect

Answer 10

I get feed up with Dr.'s. After all the shrinks I have been to, I get another diagnoses of some mental disorder. So if I was to really listen to all this "dr." I am screwed, I HAVE EVERY MENTAL ISSUSE. Gve it timeI will be ridden of something else