i have heard bipolar is a complicated chemical imbalance?

Question

but isn't it true that there is no test that can determine if you are bipolar and it is a subjective diagnosis by Dr.s

Answer 1

Unfortunately no laboratory test can detect bipolar disorder. However, a simple questionnaire can help a doctor determine if someone has common symptoms of bipolar disorder. This questionnaire is called the Mood Disorder Questionnaire, or MDQ. The MDQ is a checklist that helps a doctor identify bipolar-related symptoms. Remember, only a doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis.

What does a diagnostic exam for bipolar disorder consist of?
A complete psychiatric history detailing not only your current and past symptoms, but also the symptoms or diagnosis of immediate family members and relatives. Bipolar disorder has a strong genetic component. Therefore, if there is a family history of depression or bipolar disorder, there's a good chance the patient may have it as well.

A complete medical history and physical exam to rule out any physical illnesses that may be producing or mimicking the symptoms of bipolar disorder. AIDS, a brain tumor or head injury, diabetes, epilepsy, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, a salt imbalance or thyroid disorder can produce bipolar-like symptoms.

Answer 2

Yes, bipolar disorder is caused by an imbalance in the body's chemistry. It is generally carried by a gene from generation to generation. Diagnosis can be made only by a doctor's subjective opinion which in some cases can be very unscientific.
Look for mood swings (it was once called manic-depression) from very agitated and hyper to depression. Maintaining a center line is very difficult but can be achieved by medication.
A good example of bipolar is when it is noticed that a person is doing things that are not ordinarily done by that person. Cutting off one's hair. Using an outrageous shade of lipstick. Wearing outlandish looking clothing. Using language that is ordinarily not used by that person and speaking very rapidly and in a somewhat peculiar voice. My ex-wife was bipolar and she exhibited all of these traits including seeing things move and persons who were not there.

Answer 3

hullo bipolar disorder is a mental disease with a strong theory about its neuro-chemical disturbance(dopamine-serotonin),still there is no specific chemical test to confirm the diagnosis.
it is the job of psychiatrists to do the diagnosis depending on operational criteria like the DSM IV or ICD-10.

Dr solo

Answer 4

Bipolar is a chemical imbalance. however there is test that can be done to dectect it.

Bipolar Screening Test
Look for signs of bipolar disorder
Read the following lists.

Put a check mark by each sign that sounds like you now or in the past:

Signs of mania (ups)
I feel like I'm on top of the world.
I feel powerful. I can do anything I want, nothing can stop me.
I have lots of energy.
I don't seem to need much sleep.
I feel restless all the time.
I feel really mad.
I have a lot of sexual energy.
I can't focus on anything for very long.
I sometimes can’t stop talking and I talk really fast.
I'm spending lots of money on things I don't need and can't afford.
Friends tell me that I've been acting differently. They tell me that I'm starting fights, talking louder, and getting more angry.

Signs of depression (downs)
I am really sad most of the time.
I don't enjoy doing the things I've always enjoyed doing.
I don't sleep well at night and am very restless.
I am always tired. I find it hard to get out of bed.
I don't feel like eating much.
I feel like eating all the time.
I have lots of aches and pains that don't go away.
I have little to no sexual energy.
I find it hard to focus and am very forgetful.
I am mad at everybody and everything.
I feel upset and fearful, but can't figure out why.
I don't feel like talking to people.
I feel like there isn't much point to living, nothing good is going to happen to me.
I don't like myself very much. I feel bad most of the time.
I think about death a lot. I even think about how I might kill myself.


Other signs of bipolar disorder
I go back and forth between feeling really "up" and feeling really "down."
My ups and downs cause problems at work and at home.


If you checked several boxes in these lists, call your doctor. Take the lists to show your doctor. You may need to get a checkup and find out if you have bipolar disorder.