How do they test for bi-polar?

Question

II just want to know how they test for bi-polar... I think i should have gone to the doctor for this a long time ago..

Answer 1

The diagnosis is basically made by an interview with a psychiatrist. You explain your behavior and they decide if it falls within the Bipolar symptoms. My boyfriend is Bipolar and he takes several medications. Still he has an episode at least 3 times a year. I stear clear of him during those times as the verbal abuse is more than I can take. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Typically there is certain criteria that have to be met for a diagnosis to be made. Psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and social workers use what is called the DSM (diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders) put out by the American Psychiatric Association. The latest edition is known as the DSM-IV TR. It is a big, thick book that gives what "requirements" must be met for someone to receive a diagnosis of whatever disorder it may be from major depression to panic disorder to bipolar disorder to everything else in between that has been deemed an official mental disorder as of the publication of the manual.

There are 2 types of bipolar disorders, the one that is most common and the one that most people are familiar with is Bipolar type I. This is the typical cycling between manic and depressed states. Bipolar II is somewhat similar, but instead of the mania, the patient experiences hypomania which is a lower level of mania that causes less distress. If someone doesn't fit either category, but still has symptoms, they may be placed into an NOS (not otherwise specified) category until more information is obtained to either make or rule out a diagnosis.

For more info, please follow the link below.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Current_diagnostic_criteria_for_bipolar_disorder

Answer 3

There isn't a special test for bipolar disorder except to talk to a psychiatrist and have him evaluate your moods. If you want to know if you are bipolar (formerly called manic depression) then ask yourself the following: do I swing from depression to elation? Depression can last for several days to several weeks. You then feel normal but soon swing toward hyper. Talk a lot. Want to do things that you do not ordinarily want to do. Talk differently.....different wording in your conversation. Dress differently. want to spend lots of money. Can't sleep. A bipolar disorder can be checked by a competent doctor who knows a great deal about psychopharmacology (medication) and its use. It generally takes three medications to control bipolar. One for manic. One to keep you in the middle. The next one to keep you from getting depressed. The problem is that the medication to keep you calm at times makes you swing right through the middle (normal) and you become depressed. Therefore, the medication to keep you in the middle (usually lithium carbonate) is needed. A good doctor knows all this and can control the dosages.

Answer 4

There are no objective tests to diagnose bipolar disorder yet. What doctors usually do is lab tests to rule out medical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. They will also do a drug screen to determine if a substance may be involved. Once substances and medical conditions are ruled out they carefully question the patient and look for specific signs and symptoms of depression or mania. They may also interview, with the person's consent, people close to the person.

Answer 5

There isn't a test exactly, although they are close to identifying a gene that may contribute.

When you go to your doctor, he/she will ask you to talk openly and honestly about your feelings and symptoms. Then they will evaluate that based on the definitions of the disease and guidelines that have been set forth for diagnosis.

There are many medications on the market now that can do wonders for bipolar disorder.

Please please please go to your doctor and get a referral to a licensed psychiatrist. It will only get worse with time and you'll be glad you got help. Good luck!

Answer 6

http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/BSDS.htm

http://depression.about.com/od/diagnosis/tp/tests.htm

http://nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm/


Call your local department of mental health also