How to Test for Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a illness in which people experience extreme highs, called manias, alternately with cute lows, or depression. Though bipolar disorder has very distinct symptoms, it can be very difficult to test for the condition. Some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder, which is also called manic depression, can mimic signs of other mental and physical illnesses.
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Instructions
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Know some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder. In a manic phase of bipolar disorder, you may appear hyperactive, speak quickly, race from thought to thought and may have trouble concentrating. You might not sleep much, and may have overly grand ideas of your own importance in the larger sense of the world. Depressive episodes may include severe levels of sadness, fatigue and loss of energy.
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Make an appointment with your primary care physician to talk about your symptoms. Many mood disorders show themselves through physical symptoms, such as aches, pains and fatigue, according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA). See the Resources section for a link.
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Go through a psychological evaluation as part of the testing process for bipolar disorder. A mental health professional can assess your behavior. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), episodes of mania that last at least four days, in addition to having trouble functioning in everyday life are hallmarks of bipolar disorder (see Resources). Discuss your feelings of depression, suicide or other emotions so your examiner can rule out other conditions that may manifest themselves similarly to bipolar disorder.
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Get your thyroid function tested. The thyroid controls many areas of the body, and can affect mood if you have a hormonal imbalance. Blood tests for thyroid function can establish whether there is another physical reason for your mood changes.
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Some doctors may use MRI as a diagnostic tool to test for bipolar disorder. The images of your brain do not show that you definitively have bipolar disorder, but they can rule out other abnormalities.
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