How do you get diagnosed with bipolar

These changes affect their lives on a day-to-day basis. Often, a combination of methods is used to make a diagnosis. Before your diagnosis, you may experience rapidly changing moods and confusing emotions. Bouts of sadness and hopelessness can become intense. Many people deal with these periods due to everyday stresses.

However, emotional highs and lows associated with bipolar disorder can be more extreme. Friends and family may also notice changes. You may feel great and not understand the concerns of those around you until your mood shifts again. See a doctor if extreme moods interfere with daily life or if you feel suicidal. If you experience extreme shifts in your mood that disrupt your daily routine, you should see your doctor.

There are no specific blood tests or brain scans to diagnose bipolar disorder. Even so, your doctor may perform a physical exam and order lab tests, including a thyroid function test and urine analyses. These tests can help determine if other conditions or factors could be causing your symptoms.

A thyroid function test is a blood test that measures how well your thyroid gland functions. The thyroid produces and secretes hormones that help regulate many bodily functions. As a result, you may have problems with depressive symptoms or develop a mood disorder. Sometimes, certain thyroid issues cause symptoms that are similar to those of bipolar disorder.

Symptoms may also be a side effect of medications. After other possible causes are ruled out, your doctor will likely refer you to a mental health specialist. A psychiatrist or psychologist will ask you questions to assess your overall mental health. The specialist will also ask you about certain risk factors for bipolar disorder. This includes questions about family medical history and any history of drug abuse.

The service is available to everyone. All calls are confidential. Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but there are ways to help make it easier for yourself, a friend, or a loved one. Remember : Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, but long-term, ongoing treatment can help control symptoms and enable you to live a healthy life.

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Researchers at NIMH and around the country conduct many studies with patients and healthy volunteers. We have new and better treatment options today because of what clinical trials uncovered years ago.

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Gordon, M. Advisory Boards and Groups Read about the boards and groups that advise and provide guidance to the Institute. Share Page. Bipolar Disorder. Overview Bipolar disorder formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression is a mental disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

Bipolar I Disorder— defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care.

Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Episodes of depression with mixed features having depressive symptoms and manic symptoms at the same time are also possible. Bipolar II Disorder— defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes that are typical of Bipolar I Disorder. Cyclothymic Disorder also called Cyclothymia — defined by periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2 years 1 year in children and adolescents.

However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode. Signs and Symptoms People with bipolar disorder experience periods of unusually intense emotion, changes in sleep patterns and activity levels, and uncharacteristic behaviors—often without recognizing their likely harmful or undesirable effects. Diagnosis Proper diagnosis and treatment can help people with bipolar disorder lead healthy and active lives.

Medications Certain medications can help manage symptoms of bipolar disorder. People taking medication should: Talk with their health care provider to understand the risks and benefits of the medication. Tell their health care provider about any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or supplements they are already taking. Report any concerns about side effects to a health care provider right away.

The health care provider may need to change the dose or try a different medication. A mixed episode has both manic and depressive symptoms. These mood episodes cause symptoms that last a week or two or sometimes longer. During an episode, the symptoms last every day for most of the day. Mood episodes are intense. The feelings are intense and happen along with changes in behavior, energy levels, or activity levels that are noticeable to others.

Some people with bipolar disorder may have milder symptoms than others with the disorder. For example, hypomanic episodes may make the individual feel very good and be very productive; they may not feel like anything is wrong. However, family and friends may notice the mood swings and changes in activity levels as behavior that is different from usual, and severe depression may follow mild hypomanic episodes.

There are three basic types of bipolar disorder; all of them involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. People with bipolar disorder also may have a normal euthymic mood alternating with depression. Many people with bipolar disorder also may have other mental health disorders or conditions such as:. Some bipolar disorder symptoms are like those of other illnesses, which can lead to misdiagnosis.

For example, some people with bipolar disorder who also have psychotic symptoms can be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia. Some physical health conditions, such as thyroid disease, can mimic the moods and other symptoms of bipolar disorder. Street drugs sometimes can mimic, provoke, or worsen mood symptoms. The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. However, research suggests that there is no single cause.

Instead, a combination of factors may contribute to bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder often runs in families, and research suggests that this is mostly explained by heredity—people with certain genes are more likely to develop bipolar disorder than others.

Many genes are involved, and no one gene can cause the disorder. But genes are not the only factor. Some studies of identical twins have found that even when one twin develops bipolar disorder, the other twin may not. Although people with a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder are more likely to develop the disorder themselves, most people with a family history of bipolar disorder will not develop the illness.

Researchers are learning that the brain structure and function of people with bipolar disorder may be different from the brain structure and function of people who do not have bipolar disorder or other psychiatric disorders. Learning about the nature of these brain changes helps doctors better understand bipolar disorder and may in the future help predict which types of treatment will work best for a person with bipolar disorder.

At this time, diagnosis is based on symptoms rather than brain imaging or other diagnostic tests. A psychiatrist or other mental health professional diagnoses bipolar disorder based on the symptoms, lifetime course, and experiences of the individual. Some people have bipolar disorder for years before it is diagnosed.

This may be because:. Treatment helps many people, even those with the most severe forms of bipolar disorder. Your Journey Individuals with Mental Illness. Your Journey Family Members and Caregivers.

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Advocacy Public Policy Reports. Bipolar Disorder. Symptoms Symptoms and their severity can vary. Causes Scientists have not yet discovered a single cause of bipolar disorder. Currently, they believe several factors may contribute, including: Genetics.

But the role of genetics is not absolute: A child from a family with a history of bipolar disorder may never develop the disorder.