How to Diagnose Manic Depression

Manic depression is a disorder in which those affected may alternate between extreme depression and then manic episodes, characterized by intense optimism, euphoric feelings, hyperactivity, delusions of grandeur to the point of impairing judgment and a danger to themselves. It is sometimes mistaken to be major depression or schizophrenia. There are varying degrees to manic depression. Some experience depression with hypomanic episodes, which are the same as manic episodes without the delusions. There is no direct test for manic depression yet, so every other possibility must be eliminated and a full psychiatric evaluation must be done before a full diagnosis can be made.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Process

1. Go to the doctor for a full medical and physical exam. Eliminate the possibility of thyroid or hormonal imbalances.

2. Make an appointment with a psychiatrist, as a full psychiatric examination is needed before manic depression can be diagnosed. Undergo a mental status exam.

3. Get laboratory tests done, as biochemistry is used to determine what imbalances exist in the patient. Manic depression can be mistaken for major depression, schizophrenia, schizoid personality, ADD and ADHD.

4. Take notice of your moods and activities over the last year in particular. Doctors will often want to know the frequency and duration of your depressive and manic episodes.

5. Speak to the people closest to you and ask if they notice your mood changes. Ask relatives if there is a history of mental illness in the family, as doctors will need to know you personal and family's medical history in order to make a full diagnosis.

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