Bipolar Disorder Test

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, or "manic depression," is a mood disorder that causes alternating cycles of extreme highs (mania) and severe lows (depression), and affects an estimated six million adult Americans. While there is no specific bipolar disorder test used to diagnose the illness, trained mental health specialists employ a variety of methods to determine its presence and severity.

Bipolar Disorder Testing

A patient's symptoms are one of the first things a health care provider will assess in determining whether he or she may have bipolar disorder. Unlike some other mood disorders, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are typically persistent and severe enough to disrupt a person's daily life.

The symptoms experienced during the depressed phase of bipolar disorder may be similar to those in major depressive disorder, and include:

• Feelings of sadness and hopelessness
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight fluctuation
• Appetite changes
• Physical aches and pains
• Suicidal thoughts
• Crying spells

During the manic phase, an individual with bipolar disorder is likely to experience a combination of the following symptoms:

• Elation
• Exaggerated self-confidence
• Racing thoughts and speech
• Poor judgment
• Irritability
• Over-aggressiveness
• Grandiose thoughts
• Lack of self-control

Although there are currently no physical bipolar disorder tests, a mental health specialist may recommend a complete physical exam to rule out any other illness that might be triggering symptoms.

Further Testing for Bipolar Disorder

Once a history of mental and physical symptoms has been established, a doctor or psychologist may perform any of the following tests to aid them in making a diagnosis:

• Complete family and medical history
• Clinical observations
• Blood and thyroid tests
• Interviews with family and friends
• Written questionnaires

Preparing for Bipolar Disorder Testing

If you or someone you know is preparing to be tested, it is important to note that although people sometimes attach stigmas to mental illnesses, bipolar disorder is every bit as real of a disease as lung cancer or hepatitis. Getting tested by a trained mental health specialist is the first step in treating bipolar disorder, which normally does not resolve on its own. If diagnosed, intervention may include a combination of the following:

• Mood stabilizing medication
• Anti-depressant medication
• Psychotherapy
• Support groups
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Symptoms of bipolar disorder often arise in early adulthood, and there is likely a genetic component to the illness. Contact your doctor or health care provider to schedule an evaluation if you experience any of the symptoms listed above, especially if they are severe or include suicidal thoughts.