How to Test for Manic Depression

Bipolar tests and diagnosis

Bipolar disorder was long referred to as manic depression because of the characteristic "mania" and depression associated with the mental illness. Consequently, the term remains in common use by the public. Yet, manic depression involves a spectrum of symptoms and not infrequently is misdiagnosed. Given that medication side-effects are also a concern, it is good to be armed with knowledge on how to best test for manic depression. These tips can help.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Symptom journal
• Medical consultation
• Symptom awareness

How to Test for Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder)

1. Schedule an appointment early with a qualified health professional to test for manic depression. Given the long waiting periods to see a specialist, such as a psychiatrist, this will enable you to be evaluated more readily. Should you change your mind, the appointment can be canceled. Another reason to schedule, when you are open to the idea, is that a sudden change in mood may make you less inclined to act in your best interest.

2. Keep a mood journal to bring with you on your first appointment. This will help the doctor determine if symptoms of manic depression may indeed be caused by another condition, or indicate further psychological testing. Know that any test for manic depression is a clinical diagnosis based on signs and symptoms and is not failproof. The more information the doctor possesses the better.

3. Avoid self-diagnosis with online quizzes designed to help test for manic depression. Quality pre-screenings do exist online to help patients and loved ones recognize potential bipolar symptoms, however. Use reliable sources such as local and national organizations and mental health groups dedicated to the disease such as the Nation Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Genetic tests, now available for home use, designed to test for bipolar disease tend to be very expensive and provide more anxiety than answers.

4. Write down any physical symptoms you experience and consider a checkup with your regular physician or internal medicine specialist. Many health conditions that cause neurological symptoms such as Lupus, MS and Lyme disease may mimic symptoms of manic depression. If another illness is suspected, it may take some perseverance and a second opinion to rule out organic disease. These physical symptoms should be discussed with the mental health professional you choose.

5. Boost your communication skills, if needed, to best articulate your symptoms prior to taking a test for manic depression. You may be asked if you experience "racing thoughts", which many people agree that they do, when another description such as "worry" or "poor concentration" is more accurate. It helps to write your symptoms down in your own words and let the doctor know if a description presented is not entirely accurate.

Tips & Warnings

• Try not to rush the diagnostic process, though it can be difficult to live with symptoms awaiting a diagnosis. Many mental health workers are competent, but if you think a second opinion is necessary go with your gut feeling.

• Obtain a referral, if possible, before you test for manic depression and compare and research more about the health facility online.

• Look for a neuropsychiatrist to better test for manic depression symptoms that may be caused by neurological or other disease.

• If you experience severe depression, agitation or mania, contact a health professional or emergency room immediately.