I know a patient prescribed with Lithium has regular blood tests to monitor Lithium levels. If a test is done before any Lithium is taken will that act as confirmation of a diagnosis?
Are there any other external tests?
2007-10-26 05:20:25 · 5 answers · asked by Bewildered 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
No, there aren't any external or objective tests. It sounds as if you are suggesting that perhaps someone with bipolar disorder has a low level of lithium in the blood which could be diagnostic - this is NOT the case at all. Bipolar isn't a deficiency disease. The action of lithium is not to replace something missing (i.e. it's not like taking thyroxin when one has an underactive thyroid). The blood tests are to ensure that the level of lithium in the body is enough to be a therapeutic dose, because people vary so much in how they metabolise it. There's more about this at http://www.realmentalhealth.com/bipolar/lithium_2.asp
2007-10-26 12:50:20 · answer #1 · answered by Ambi valent 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is said that people with bipolar disorder have more brain mass in the frontal lobe. i read this in a couple of different places, but whether it rings true, i am not sure. i have bipolar disorder, as well.
the regular blood testing when a person is on medication could be to monitor liver function... this is routine with some medications; however i'm not sure if lithium is one of these.
a note to Smiley UK -- Lithium is a chemical element (Li) and is a soft alkali metal. I think it's the softest of the metals. The neurological effect of the lithium ion Li+ makes some lithium salts useful as a class of mood stabilizing drugs.
take care.
2007-10-26 05:30:04 · answer #2 · answered by letterstoheather 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Not usually.Your doctor may ask you or a family member who has accompanied you about your signs and symptoms and to describe apparent episodes of mania and depression. Diagnosis also involves ruling out other mental health conditions that may produce some symptoms similar to bipolar disorder. These may include other mood disorders, sometimes schizophrenia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or borderline personality disorder.
You may also undergo tests to see if your mood swings are due to physical causes, such as:
Substance abuse. Abuse of alcohol, marijuana and cocaine may affect your moods.
Thyroid disorders. A blood test for thyroid function can determine whether you have a thyroid disorder, such as an underactive thyroid.
Your doctor may also ask about your use of medications, alcohol and recreational drugs and about your diet. Certain medications including corticosteroids, such as prednisone, and medications used to treat depression, anxiety and Parkinson's disease can cause mood swings. Abuse of alcohol and recreational drugs also can cause mood swings. Deficiency of vitamin B-12 may alter moods as well.
2007-10-26 05:27:34 · answer #3 · answered by 777 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
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2017-02-09 18:10:54 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lithium? they batteries arent they?
2007-10-26 05:26:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 6⤋