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If you suspect that a loved one has bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, you should have them see a doctor as soon as possible to have a bipolar test performed to diagnose the disorder. A bipolar test is really just a series of interviews to establish behavior patterns indicative of the disease. Your doctor may ask family or friends who accompany the patient about signs and symptoms. They will also interview the patient to discern his or her current mental state and ask about apparent episodes of mania and depression.
Diagnosis also involves ruling out other mental health conditions that may produce some of the same or similar symptoms to bipolar disorder. A bipolar test screens for these other conditions, which may include other mood disorders, schizophrenia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or borderline personality disorder.In addition, a bipolar test may include physical tests to see if your mood swings are related to physical causes. These tests screen for substance abuse including drugs and alcohol which may impact mood. A good screening or bipolar test will include gathering information about diet, medications, and alcohol consumed that may cause symptoms mimicking actual bipolar disorder. Certain medications including corticosteroids, such as prednisone, and medications used to treat depression, anxiety and Parkinson's disease can cause mood swings. Deficiency of vitamin B-12 may alter moods as well. In addition, thyroid disorder, which can be detected by a blood test, may produce similar symptoms. The primary conversation during a bipolar test centers on the moods present in the patient. Phases of clear mania and depression are the easiest to detect, but the length, severity, and frequency of mood swings varies from person to person. Also, mania and depression may be present at the same time, which is called the bipolar mixed state. This makes it particularly difficult for patients and even trained doctors to determine that bipolar disorder is the cause of the problem. |
