Bipolar Diagnosis

Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression or manic-depressive disorder. This condition is a disease and a bipolar diagnosis must be made before treatment can begin. 

While there have been breakthroughs in bipolar diagnosis in recent years, there is still no definitive test for a bipolar diagnosis.

Bipolar Diagnosis and Other Disorders

Because bipolar disorder mimics may other conditions, a bipolar diagnosis is tricky. Most bipolar patients receive long-term treatment for depression before a bipolar diagnosis is made. The bipolar diagnosis only comes about when the doctor notices patterns of mania and depression in the same patient. Mania can mask itself as ADHD, delaying the bipolar diagnosis. Not only this, but a bipolar diagnosis can be hampered by other psychological conditions that may be present at the same time.

For these reasons, a psychiatrist must be present to present an accurate bipolar diagnosis. A complete medical examination and history is necessary along with other tests for a bipolar diagnosis to be made. The main point of this testing is to rule out other diagnoses that may be causing the symptoms before making a bipolar diagnosis. However, because treatments for other disorders can cause severe problems for those who should have a bipolar diagnosis, doctors will often try bipolar medications before those aimed at conditions like ADHD. Medications for ADHD can make manic symptoms worse.

Bipolar Diagnosis Testing

Basic screening tests like the Goldberg Bipolar Screening Quiz can help in a bipolar diagnosis, but it is only the first step.  Research suggests that the bipolar diagnosis can run in families, so a complete medical history is very important. The complexity of a bipolar diagnosis makes it difficult to detect the condition early, but this is still the goal of the psychiatrist in treating those who may suffer from bipolar disorder.

A bipolar diagnosis will not be made unless there is documented evidence of severe cyclic moods. Those who present with depressive symptoms will be given a diagnosis of depression until clinic evidence is showed for a bipolar diagnosis. Those presenting with manic symptoms, with a reported history of depressive symptoms are more likely to receive an early bipolar diagnosis.

Dangers to Bipolar Patients

A bipolar diagnosis can save a patient’s life. Those with bipolar disorder are twenty times more likely to commit suicide than the general population. This makes a bipolar diagnosis a life-saver for many, who finally receive the treatment they need once the condition is diagnosed.  Other life-threatening conditions for those with a bipolar diagnosis are alcohol abuse and drug abuse. When bipolar symptoms go untreated, patients are likely to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. They may also have social anxieties, eating disorders and other conditions spurred by the bipolar disorder.

After a Bipolar Diagnosis

Once the bipolar diagnosis is made, the psychiatrist will prescribe medication aimed at controlling the condition. It will stabilize bipolar moods and lead to fewer bipolar episodes. Psychotherapy is also vital for those with a bipolar diagnosis to learn to manage and cope with the disease.  What exactly causes Bipolar Disorder?  Go to our page on Bipolar Causes to find out.