Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis

Bipolar disorder is difficult to diagnose because many other conditions have similar symptoms. It may take some time for your doctors to know for sure that you have this disorder. Over time, though, by carefully documenting the changes in your symptoms... Full Answer

Your doctor can help you figure out whether you have bipolar disease. Medical doctors will usually ask you questions, give you a physical exam and use tests to tell if you have this disorder. The tests might include analyzing a sample of your... Full Answer

Over time, doctors can be relatively sure of your diagnosis by carefully documenting the changes in your symptoms and noting whether you respond well to the medications that work best for this disorder. Bipolar disorder is difficult to diagnose... Full Answer

Typically, if you or your family or friends suspect that something is not right with how you’ve been acting and feeling compared to normal, you will be referred to a doctor to rule out physical problems that may be causing your symptoms. If nothing... Full Answer

It is now commonly acknowledged that there is a spectrum of bipolar illness which includes several types of Bipolar Disorder. These include the most common or classic form of the illness, Bipolar Disorder I, which is characterised by recurrent... Full Answer

To prepare for an appointment to diagnose bipolar disorder, you should first write down the symptoms you are having that have prompted this appointment. Make note of when the symptoms occur and how long they last. Come to the doctor prepared with a... Full Answer

Unfortunately, there is no blood test to tell you if you have bipolar disorder. (I wish!) Instead, blood tests are used to measure drug levels as well as basic bodily needs. Here is a list of specific and voluntary tests needed. It’s essential... Full Answer

Yes, people with bipolar disorder are often first misdiagnosed, most often with depression. A study a few years back found that, on average, it took individuals 9 years to get an accurate diagnosis. Unfortunately, being misdiagnosed usually means the... Full Answer

Researchers have begun examining the subset of children who may be given a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, but who lack clearly defined episodes of mania and depression. Perhaps some of these children overlap with ultra-rapid and rapid cycling... Full Answer

Sure- ask yourself these questions. Have I ever been depressed? If yes, then.. Have I ever been depressed and then suddenly felt incredibly better? Like a cloud had been lifted from my life and everything was amazing? Have I been incredibly creative... Full Answer