2007-02-05 04:50:36 · 6 answers · asked by Candy B 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
They are making headway in research to find "genetic markers" for various mental diseases but, unfortunately, there are no physical tests available as of yet.
Most physicians just go by symptoms of the patient to diagnose them.
A lot of psychiatrists will order CAT scans (brain scans) to see if there are abnormalities in a mental patients brain compared to that of a "normal" person, if the symptoms are severe enough, or there is, say, a trial or something.
2007-02-05 04:58:01 · answer #1 · answered by sweetiern34 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No there are no physical tests to do for bi-polar. Much of it is done by tracing family history (it does tend to be genetic, so yes there is extensive testing going on for genetic markers).
An assessment takes time and documentation to see the swing in moods. One needs to see that the person has highs (mania) and lows (depression), that they display the extremes. It will take a psychiatrist to diagnose and treat bi-polar. This disorder is a chemical imbalance and requires medication to treat it.
Hope that helps, it is very difficult to prove, but well worth getting the help. Are you talking about a child or an adult, they display maniac and depressive behaviors very differently and getting a child diagnosed is very difficult, but do able. I know I have one!! Hope that helps.
2007-02-05 13:17:42 · answer #2 · answered by White Raven 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, there is no blood test for bi-polar disorder since it is not a physialogical disorder. The way doctor's diagnose it is by observing a person's behavior and reactions to certain circumstances.
2007-02-05 13:00:06 · answer #3 · answered by Xindy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately there isn't. The diagnosis is made from a detailed history and observation. I would recommend going to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an evaluation. My family doctor had no idea what to do and gave me the wrong medicine. Check out the list of symptoms at www.dbsalliance.org.
2007-02-05 12:56:35 · answer #4 · answered by Misty H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No there isnt and unfortunatly that is why many people go several years before they are properly diagnosed becaused when they are depressed they feel bad and will seek help but when manic or hypomanic no you feel like you can do about anything so why would you seek help it takes a major crash to get the diagnosis strait
2007-02-05 13:09:50 · answer #5 · answered by ourlittleposseof12 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No but there Cat scans that can be done. They are rarely used. It more of semitone and try meds and see if you body tolerates them and this also therapy.
2007-02-05 13:02:52 · answer #6 · answered by lady_jane_az 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋